Does This Video Show Rahul Gandhi Returning From US After Being Released In A ‘Drugs Case’?

A viral video on social media claims to show Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returning to India after being released from custody in a ‘drugs case’ in the United States. The claim further alleges that, on the request of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rahul Gandhi was freed, and that Amitabh Bachchan had travelled to the US to bring him back. The video also shows Priyanka Gandhi greeting him at the airport upon his return.

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Evidence

A keyword search using combinations like “Rahul Gandhi,” “drugs,” and “US” yielded no credible news reports or official records of any such incident, raising doubts about the viral claim.

A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led to a listing on Getty Images, captioned:

“Rajiv Gandhi funeral / New Delhi GVs; INDIA: New Delhi: EXT GVs City INT CMS Priyanka Gandhi seated talking to friends in airport terminal CMS Priyanka greeting brother Rahul Unknown Airport: INT SEQ Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi into room where their fathers coffin is lying in state…”

The full-length version of the clip clearly depicts scenes from the funeral proceedings of Rajiv Gandhi.

Another Getty Images video, showing the same individuals in identical attire, was captioned:

“Rajiv Gandhi funeral / New Delhi GVs; INDIA: INT SEQ Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi into room where their fathers coffin is lying in state MS Sonia Gandhi sits on floor with children.”

According to the description, the visuals were created on May 24, 1991. 

A photograph published by TimesContent.com and showing Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi in the same clothes states:

“Priyanka Gandhi receiving Rahul Gandhi at Delhi Airport who arrived from London after hearing the news of the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, in New Delhi on May 24, 1991.”

Another video by WildFilmsIndia from the same incident  shows Congress MPs Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, along with Amitabh Bachchan, in identical attire. A very young Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are quickly escorted amid the chaos following Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan appears to take on a protective, almost fatherly role, accompanying them to the car and assuring that he will follow in a separate vehicle, the video’s description states. 

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Not The First Time

Earlier, a fabricated news clipping created using an online tool went viral, falsely claiming that Rahul Gandhi was detained at Boston airport in 2001 for drug possession. Our fact check on this claim can be viewed here.

Verdict

The viral video does not show Rahul Gandhi returning from the US after being released in a drugs case. It is archival footage from 1991, captured during Rajiv Gandhi’s funeral and the return of his family to India.

FAQs

Q1. Does the viral video show Rahul Gandhi after being released from a US drugs case?
No. The claim is fabricated.

Q2. Where was the video originally recorded?
The scenes were filmed in New Delhi during Rajiv Gandhi’s funeral proceedings, not in the United States.

Q3. Has Rahul Gandhi faced similar misinformation before?
Yes. A fabricated news clipping falsely claimed Rahul Gandhi’s detention at Boston airport, which was later debunked.

Sources
Getty Images Website
TimesContent Website
YouTube Video By @WildFilmsIndia, Dated July 28, 2020