Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Recent video of an auto rickshaw losing balance and overturning after being hit by a water balloon.
Archived version of the post can be seen here.
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Fact
A keyword search for “Holi,” and “auto rickshaw overturn” on Google yielded a video report by NDTV dated March 19, 2022. Displaying a longer version of the viral video, the report stated, “Watch: Auto Overturns In UP After Holi Revellers Throw Water Balloon.”
Following this we looked up “UP,” “auto rickshaw,” and “Holi” on Google which led us to multiple reports from March 2022 on the incident. One such report by the ANI published in The Print stated, “A speeding auto-rickshaw met with an accident after being struck by a water balloon thrown by locals… Baghpat police officials have taken note of the incident.”
“Two people along with the rickshaw driver have been injured in the accident. Immediate action would be taken against the culprits”, said Anuj Mishra, Circle Officer (CO) Baghpat was quoted as saying.
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The video was also shared on X by ANI Hindi News on March 20, 2022, with the caption, “Uttar Pradesh: In a viral video, an auto travelling at high speed in Baghpat is seen overturning after hitting a balloon filled with water. (translated from Hindi)”
Other reports on the incident can be seen here, here and here.
Hence, a two-year-old video has been shared out of context, and misleadingly posted with #Holi2024 inferring that it’s a recent incident.
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Result: Missing Context
Sources
YouTube Video By NDTV, Dated March 19, 2022
Report By ANI, Dated March 20, 2022
X Post By @AHindinews, Dated March 20, 2022
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
