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
X post by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee saying “Hindu symbolism is not allowed in Harmandir sahib.” The post carries an image of a Sikh man apparently feeding a Muslim man.
Fact
Screengrab from a parody account, and not the official account of the SGPC.
A screengrab of a purported X post by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body of the Sikh Gurdwaras, has grabbed social media attention. The alleged SGPC post features an image of an elderly Sikh offering some food item to a man in an Islamic skull cap. It further states, “We are not Hindus. Hindu symbolism is not allowed in Harmandir (Golden Temple.) (translated from Hindi)”
Facebook user @Deepak-Kumar-Dwivedi shared the screengrab claiming, “This post has been made by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. A Hindu girl did yoga inside the gurdwara and they formed a committee against her. Sikhs hate Hindus more than Muslims, but where there is no population they pretend to be a false brotherhood…Now the time has come to stop glorifying these atheist sects in the name of Hinduism. (translated from Hindi)”
Other posts carrying the screengrab can be seen here and here.
Also Read: Footage From Iranian TV Series Shared As Sexual Assault Incident In Pakistan
Why The Sudden Limelight On SGPC?
The SGPC recently came under the spotlight after it filed a police complaint against a social media influencer, Archana Makwana, for “hurting religious sentiments”, after photographs of her doing Yoga at the Golden Temple surfaced online. The Committee chief, Harjinder Singh Dhami said, “No one can be allowed to act against Sikh conduct at the Golden Temple but some people deliberately ignore the sanctity and historical importance of this holy place and commit objectionable acts.”
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the alleged X post screengrab, we noticed that it was attributed to handle “@SGPCAmritsar_”
Taking a clue, we looked up the user “@SGPCAmritsar_” on X, and found it to be a parody account of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Apart from the username, the bio of the account also clarifies “**Parody Account** Non-affiliated.” The user joined X in September, 2023.
We found that the post, featured in the viral screengrab, was made on June 22, 2024,and has around 674.8K views, 1.5K reposts and around 7.6K likes so far.
After skimming through the comment section of the post, we found multiple X users believing that the remarks are actually by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Also Read: ‘Special Meeting’ Between PM Modi And The Pope At G7 Summit In Italy? No, Viral Video Is From 2021
Further, we looked up the official website of the committee, and found the X handle “@SGPCAmritsar” listed as their official account. Its bio read, “Official handle of @SGPCAmritsar, representative organisation of the Sikhs.” The account was created in September 2019.
Apart from the X handle, the display picture and cover image used by both the accounts were found to be different.
What About The Image Then?
A Google lens search on the image led us to an X post by @BeingFukray, dated April 19, 2021. It carried multiple pictures, including the viral image, to show Muslims breaking their Ramadan fast at Singhu-Kundli Border, Delhi.
The image was also shared on X by @KisanEktaMarch, an account dedicated to updates on farmers’ protests, in April 2021. “Unity is Power. Roza iftaar at #SinghuBorder (sic),” the post stated.
Also Read: Old Photo Of Durga Puja Ritual In Assam Temple Falsely Linked To Ratlam Temple Desecration
Conclusion
Hence, a screengrab from an X post by a parody account has been misinterpreted as actual remarks by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Result: Missing Context
Sources
X Account Of @SGPCAmritsar_
X Account Of @SGPCAmritsar
X Post By @KisanEktaMarch, Dated April 19, 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.
