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
Farmers vandalise the set-up for an event by Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini.
Fact
2021 video showing vandalism at an event by the then CM ML Khattar
A video showing a mob ransacking a makeshift structure is being widely shared on social media platforms with users claiming it to be an attack on a Haryana BJP event. The text overlay in the video states, “The farmers plundered the tent set-up for Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s event.” Newschecker found that the video dates back to 2021, and shows vandalism at a programme organised by the then Haryana Chief Minister.
Multiple X users shared the video amid the Lok Sabha Elections stating“Farmers giving 400 seats to the BJP in Haryana. (translated from Hindi)”
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Old Emotional Video of TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee Passed Off As Recent
Fact Check/Verification
A Google lens search on keyframes of the viral video led us to an X post by @PagdiSinger, dated January 12, 2021. It featured a shorter version of the video being shared.
Further, on carefully analysing the viral footage, we spotted “Kisan Mahapanchayat” written on the backdrop of the stage.
Taking a clue, we looked up “Kisan Mahapanchayat,” “stage, and “vandalised” on Google which led us to a report by The Week, dated January 10, 2021. Displaying images similar to the visuals seen in the viral footage, the report stated, “Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has cancelled his ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ visit to Kaimla village, Karnal, after farmers protesting against the three farm bills vandalised the venue. “
After comparing the image featured in the Week’s report with the keyframes of the viral footage, we could conclude that both depicted the same incident.
We also found a video report by The Tribune, dated January 10, 2021, stating, “The police on Sunday fired tear gas shells and used water cannons to disperse farmers, who stormed the helipad and vandalised the stage, where Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was to address a ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ to highlight the “benefits” of Centre’s three agriculture laws.”
Adding, “However, farmers reached the venue and disrupted the CM’s programme. They damaged the stage and broke chairs, tables and flower pots at the venue. The programme was later cancelled. The farmers also took control over a makeshift helipad where the Chief Minister’s helicopter was to land.”
A comparison between the visuals seen in the Tribune’s report, and the keyframes of the viral video can be seen below.
Elaborating on the incident, a report by the NDTV, dated January 10, 2021, stated, “Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s meeting with farmers at a village near Karnal on Sunday afternoon had to be cancelled as his chopper was unable to land at the venue, with protesters raging on the ground below.”
Adding, “Farmers protesting against the centre’s agri-sector reforms clashed with the police and the meeting venue was vandalised. Cellphone footage showed many of the protesters on the dais, throwing chairs, tearing up banners and posters.”
Multiple other outlets like this, this and this, had reported on the incident in January 2021.
Also Read: Old Interview Of Manisha Koirala Batting For Hindu Rashtra In Nepal Shared As Recent
Conclusion
We could thus conclude that a 2021 video showing the protesting farmers vandalising the venue of a ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ organised by the then Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar has been shared to show an attack on Nayab Singh Saini’s event.
Result: False
Sources
X Post By @PagdiSinger, Dated January 12, 2021
Report By The Week, Dated January 10, 2021
YouTube Video By The Tribune, Dated January 10, 2021
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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.
