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
Brutal murder of a Hindu in Bangladesh caught on camera.
Fact
Video from Vinukonda in Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district.
A gruesome video showing a man repeatedly attacking another with a machete in the middle of a busy road, even as passers-by look on, is being widely shared on X.
Multiple users shared the video with hashtags linked to the attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh amid current political turmoil.
Such hashtags, like “#HindusAreNotSafeInBangladesh, #HindusUnderAttackInBangladesh #BangladeshHindus,” insinuate that the brutal murder happened in Bangladesh.
Newchecker, however, found that the video was actually from Andhra Pradesh.
The 24-second-long-footage has garnered much attention on social media amid reports of attacks on Hindus in the crisis-hit Bangladesh.
Such posts can be seen here, here and here.
Also Read: Viral Visual Showing Dire State Of ‘Hindu Child In Bangladesh’ Is Actually From Gaza
Fact Check/Verification
A Google lens search on the keyframes of the viral video led us to a X post by @ArzunReddeYSRCP, dated July 18, 2024. Carrying the same video, the post stated, “AP is suffering under a regime that has failed its people. These heinous acts aim to suppress YSRCP supporters. In just a month and a half, our state has become synonymous with murder, rape, and political vendetta. The recent brutal murder in Vinukonda is a horrific example.”
Taking a clue, we looked up keywords “Vinukonda,” “Murder,” “Road” and “YSRCP” on Google which yielded a report by Financial Express, dated July 18, 2024. Featuring a screengrab from the viral footage, the report stated, “A member of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSRCP youth wing was brutally murdered in the middle of a busy street in Vinukonda town in Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district…”
Also Read: Viral Video Showing Plight Of Hindu Women In Bangladesh Is Actually Staged
“A video of the horrific incident showed a man, identified as Sheikh Jilani, attacking the victim Sheikh Rasheed using a machete in the middle of the road…As per eyewitnesses, the accused severed both of Rasheed’s hands before dealing a fatal blow to his neck,” it further stated.
An NDTV report, carrying snippets from the same video, corroborated that the gruesome incident happened in Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district. Adding, “ At approximately 8:30 pm, in the midst of moving traffic, the brutal attack unfolded and was captured on camera. The victim, Sheikh Rasheed, a member of the YSR Congress Party’s youth wing, was brutally attacked by Sheikh Jilani, who wielded a machete.”
“District police chief Kanchi Srinivas Rao has stated that initial investigations suggest the reason behind this gruesome murder is rooted in personal rivalry and categorically dismissed speculations of any political motives,” it stated.
Multiple other outlets, such as this, this and this, also reported on the brutal murder in Andhra’s Vinukonda in July.
Also Read: Old, Unrelated Images From Myanmar, Hong Kong Shared As Bangladesh Protests
Conclusion
Hence, a video of a brutal murder on a busy road in Andhra Pradesh has been linked to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.
Result: False
Sources
Report By Financial Express, Dated July 18, 2024
YouTube Video By NDTV, Dated July 18, 2024
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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.
