Authors
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.
An image of two men in RSS uniform is being shared widely on social media in the context of the recent violence in Manipur, with many claiming that the duo were among the group of men who stripped and paraded the two kuki women.
Till now, six persons, including one who was seen in a viral video dragging one of the women at B. Phainom village, have been arrested, a report by the Hindustan Times read, adding that all out efforts were being made to arrest the remianing culprits.
Among the many who shared the video with the false claim was CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali, who wrote “They are the Manipur accused. Recognise them by their clothes.” Ali was referring to the old RSS uniform worn by the duo, indicating that RSS was part of the violence perpetrated in the north eastern state.
An archived version of the tweet can be seen here.
Also Read: Nude Protest By SC/ST Men In Chhattisgarh Falsely Linked To Manipur Violence
Fact check/ Verification
A scan through the comment section showed many people calling out the tweet as false.
On perusing the social media for more people who shared similar posts, we found a tweet by one Chidandanda Singh, the state vice president of the BJP, Manipur, claimed that those seen in the image were himself and his son.
Speaking to Newschecker, Chidandanda Singh further confirmed that an FIR has been registered against those spreading fake news against him. “I saw the fake news against me the day before yesterday evening, even before Mrs Ali shared it. The fake news was shared despite the arrest of the main accused. I have filed a complaint with the DGP. They are not targeting me specifically, they are targeting the RSS,” he said.
The social media handle called ‘Friends of Rss’, also tweeted claiming that an FIR has been registered in the matter against Subhashini Ali.
We found a Manipur police tweet confirming that the FIR has been registered on the matter.
Chidananda Singh also shared the copy of the FIR that was registered with the Manipur police.
Subhashini Ali, who shared the viral photograph with the false claim, also issued an apology tweet early on Monday, where she owned up for her mistake. “I am extremely sorry that I retweeted a false tweet regarding 2 individuals who were being identified as the accused in the terrible Manipur case of extreme sexual violence against women. I apologize unconditionally for any embarrassment I caused quite unintentionally,” she tweeted.
“They are adding more fuel to the crisis. It is a foolish act,” Chidananda Singh warned.
Conclusion
The image of the BJP state vice president of Manipur and his son, in RSS uniform, has been falsely shared in the context of the Manipur violence.
Result: False
Sources
Tweet by Manipur police, dated July 23, 2023
Tweet by Chidananda Singh, dated July 23, 2023
Tweet by Friends of RSS, dated July 23, 2023
Tweet by Subhashini Ali, dated July 24, 2023
Telephone conversation with Chidananda Singh, BJP State Vice President, Manipur
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Authors
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.
