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
Video shows rescue of Hindu girls kidnapped by Muslim man.
Fact
Scripted video viral with communal claim.
A video purportedly showing a man rescuing girls held hostages in a house is going viral on social media platforms with users alleging ‘Love Jihad.’ In the 7:34 minute long video, a man seen forcibly entering a house, thrashing the alleged kidnapper and freeing the girls looked inside cupboards.
Multiple social media users who shared the video gave a communal colour to the alleged rescue claiming, “Muslim boys kidnap Hindu girls. Love jihad.” Newschecker, however, found that the video is scripted, and does not show an actual incident.
Such posts can be seen here and here.
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Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the viral footage, we spotted a disclaimer around 22 seconds, clarifying that the video is for entertainment purpose only, and “information contained herein is not intended to be source of advice or credit analysis with respect to the information presented, any action you take inspiring from this video is strictly at your own risk and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of information available in this video.”
We then looked up the keyframes of the viral video on Google lens which led us to a YouTube post by @NaveenJangra, dated February 12, 2023. It featured the same video that has been shared alleging a ‘Love Jihad’ conspiracy.
The channel also featured a similar “rescue” video from the same location as seen in the viral footage. It, too, carried a disclaimer confirming that it was for “entertainment purpose only.”
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We skimmed through the channel, and found multiple such scripted videos. The verified YouTube channel has around 752K subscribers, and lists 549 videos so far.
Naveen Jangra identifies himself as a “Video Creator” on Instagram, and has around 237K followers. The profile also features a reel of him celebrating 500k subscribers on his YouTube channel.
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Conclusion
Hence, the viral video claiming to show a man rescuing Hindu girls kidnapped by a Muslim was found to be scripted.
Result: False
Sources
YouTube Channel Of @NaveenJangra
Instagram Profile Of @officialnaveenjangra
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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.
