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
Video of a Christian procession in Punjab.
Fact
Video from Jammu shared in false context.
Following the Christmas celebrations last week, several social media users, including verified handles, shared a 46-second-long video of a procession showcasing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ purportedly in Punjab, amid claims of the faith attracting an increasing number of followers in the state.
The video has been circulated on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X with users alleging it to be from Punjab. Newschecker, however, found the footage to be from Jammu, and not Punjab.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Viral Story Of Pakistani Man Arranging His Mother’s Marriage Shared With False Claim
Fact Check/Verification
A Google lens search on the keyframes of the viral clip led us to a report by Daily Excelsior, dated March 28, 2024. Carrying an image similar to the visuals seen in the viral clip, it detailed a procession organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Churches Fellowship ahead of the Good Friday and Easter in Jammu.
Following this, we searched keywords “Good Friday procession,” “Jammu” and “Joint Churches Fellowship” on Google which yielded a Facebook post by @takeonedigitalnetwork, dated March 27, 2024. It featured snippets similar to the one seen in the viral clip, along with the interviews of the participants of the procession. The reporter also mentioned that it was an annual tradition.
A comparison between the keyframes seen in the Facebook video with those of the viral clip can be seen below
We also came across a video shared on Facebook by @spiritnews4 carrying the same visuals of a procession depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as seen in the viral clip.
Also Read: No, This Photo Does Not Show Manmohan Singh Touching Sonia Gandhi’s Feet
Multiple other social media posts carried such visuals from the procession in Jammu ahead of Good Friday and Easter.
We were also able to spot the exact locations seen in the viral clip in Jammu on Google Maps.
Also Read: Gandhi Family Did Not Attend Manmohan Singh’s Funeral? No, Viral Claim Found To Be False
Conclusion
Hence, a video from Jammu has been falsely shared to show a Christian procession in Punjab.
Result: False
Sources
Report By Daily Excelsior, Dated March 28, 2024
Facebook Post By @takeonedigitalnetwork, Dated March 27, 2024
Google Maps
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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.
