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
Mukhtar Ansari’s son openly threatens government officials during a public address.
Fact
Over 2-year-old video has been shared out of context following Mukhtar Ansari’s death.
Following the death of jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, multiple social media users shared a video of his son Abbas Ansari allegedly threatening government officials during a public address. In the viral footage, Ansari can be heard saying, “I have told Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav that no transfers or postings will happen for six months. Whoever is here, will remain here. Only after the scores are settled, will any transfer certificate be stamped.”
The 30-second-long-footage is being widely shared on Facebook and X with Hindi captions. Multiple users even alerted the UP Police, asking to take cognizance of controversial remarks made by Ansari in the viral video.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here, here, here and here.
Also Read: K Annamalai Caught Bribing Voters? No, Viral Video of TN BJP Chief Shared Out Of Context
Fact Check/Verification
A keyword search for “Mukhtar Ansari’s son,” “transfer,” and “6 months” on Google led us to a report by Times Of India, dated March 4, 2022. Carrying the viral video, the report stated, “Mukhtar Ansari’s son Abbas Ansari openly threatened government officials during a public meeting in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau.”
Another report by India Today on the incident, dated March 5, 2022, stated, “Ansari, 30, is contesting from the Mau Sadar Assembly constituency, which goes to polls in the seventh and final phase of voting on March 7.”
It added, “ADG Law and Order Prashant Kumar verified the authenticity of the video and ordered that an FIR be registered against Ansari for violating the Model Code of Conduct.”
The video was also posted on X by @ANINewsUP, on March 4, 2022, stating, “I’ve told SP chief Akhilesh Yadav that no transfers or postings will happen for 6 months as ‘hisab kitab’ will happen with them first and only then their transfer certificates will be stamped: Abbas Ansari, SP alliance candidate from Mau seat, Uttar Pradesh (03.03.2022)”
Adding, Mau SP, Ghule Sushil said, “Taking cognizance of the viral video, we have registered a case against Mau Sadar constituency candidate Abbas Ansari for violation of the Model Code of Conduct. We’ve submitted a report to the Returning Officer for further action.”
We also found a tweet by Mau Police, dated March 4, 2022, stating that a case was registered against Abbas Ansari under sections 171F and 506 the Indian Penal Code over the viral video.
Also Read: Old Photo From Northern Ireland Falsely Linked To Baltimore Bridge Collapse
Conclusion
We could thus conclude that over two-year-old video of Mukhtar Ansari’s son Abbas Ansari openly threatening government officials has been shared misleadingly following the death of gangster-turned-politician.
Result: Missing Context
Sources
Report By Times Of India, Dated March 4, 2022
Report By India Today, Dated March 5, 2022
X Post By @ANINewsUP, Dated 4, 2022
X Post By Mau Police, dated March 4, 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.
