Authors
Kushel HM is a mechanical engineer-turned-journalist, who loves all things football, tennis and films. He was with the news desk at the Hindustan Times, Mumbai, before joining Newschecker.
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
Photo of vessel pierced by bullet during the ongoing farmers’ protest in Delhi.
The archived version of the tweet can be seen here.
Fact
Newschecker ran a reverse image search, which led us to this news report from Bangladesh-based Daily Naya Diganta, dated February 16, 2024, featuring the same photo. “Heavy firing was again heard on the border of Shahparir Island and St Martins Island. A loud noise shook the area and panic spread among the locals. After a break of three to four hours, the firing started again. Locals panicked after hearing heavy mortar shells and gunfire from Myanmar on Friday morning. In this border situation, the movement of tourist boats and locals on the river route is said to be closed,” read the report, translated from Bangla, adding, “Bullets pierced the lids of kitchen vessels belonging to the locals living in the border areas of Bangladesh.”
A further search led us to this Dhaka Mail report, dated February 7, 2024, sharing the same photo, stating in Bangla, “Clashes between Myanmar’s rebel groups and military rulers have intensified. Due to incessant shelling and mortar shelling from Myanmar, the damage on the Bangladesh border is increasing day by day… Between Monday night and Tuesday afternoon, at least three houses on the border were hit by mortar shells and seven houses were hit by bullets.” A similar report can be seen here, which confirms that the viral image is not related to the ongoing farmers’ protest.
According to a BD News report, dated February 16, 2024, “Shahparir Island and Naf River in St Martins Island have also been rocked by explosions due to the conflict in Myanmar. Although peace prevailed in the restive border areas of Naikkongchari in Bandarban and Ukhia in Cox’s Bazar, heavy firing and shelling from Myanmar reverberated in the two islands off the Teknaf coast.
“Shah Jahan, a resident of Shahparir Island, reportedly said, “We were shaken by the sound of the gunshots. It has become impossible to live with our children at home due to fear. Two people, including a local woman, died in Tumbru. God forbid, if this happens here, who will take responsibility? Bullets have struck the vessels in the kitchens of our [locals] homes along the border area.” A Facebook post sharing the viral photo can be seen here, confirming the image was from Bangladesh.
Result: False
Source
Daily Naya Diganta report, February 16, 2024
Dhaka Mail report, February 7, 2024
Facebook post, February 10, 2024
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Authors
Kushel HM is a mechanical engineer-turned-journalist, who loves all things football, tennis and films. He was with the news desk at the Hindustan Times, Mumbai, before joining Newschecker.
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.
