Weekly Wrap: A Look At The Different Political & COVID-19 Related Claims Viral In India

After Trinamool Congress’ landslide win in West Bengal last week, misinformation around post-poll violence in the state was widely shared on social media platforms. In addition, the ongoing second COVID-19 wave in India has also led to wide spread anxiety amongst people, possibly leading to the continuing spread of related misleading and false news online. This week, we covered claims on 5G testing radiation an alleged cause of COVID-19 second wave, journalist Naveen Kumar’s video on coronavirus falsely attributed to Rohit Sardana, and more.

Claims on 5G Testing Radiation Being The Cause Of India’s Second COVID-19 Wave Are False

Claims on 5G testing towers being the cause of the second COVID-19 wave in India are unsubstantiated and lack scientific evidence. For one, “viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks,” stated WHO.

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Journalist Naveen Kumar’s Video On COVID-19 Falsely Attributed To Aaj Tak’s Anchor Rohit Sardana

Journalist Naveen Kumar’s video on India’s second COVID-19 wave and the distressed healthcare system was falsely attributed to Aaj Tak’s anchor Rohit Sardana.

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Image Of Positive And Negative Control Swabs On Test Kits Used For Quality Control, Not Testing Patients

The image showing “Positive Control Swab” and “Negative Control Swab” on a COVID-19 antigen test kits by ACON laboratories are in fact used to maintain quality control, not for testing patients.

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Despite Family and Police Denial, Rape-Murder Of Woman From West Medinipur District Linked To Bengal’s Post-Poll Violence

The rape and murder of a young woman in Pingla, West Medinipur district have been linked to post-poll violence in West Bengal, with a claim that she was a BJP worker. This is despite the woman’s family, neighbour and police denying that the crime had any political association. 

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BJP Passed Of India Today Reporter’s Photograph As Party Worker ‘Manik Moitra’ Killed In Post-Poll Violence

Bharatiya Janata Party’s verified social media accounts passed off India Today journalist, Abhro Banerjee’s photograph as Manik Moitra, a BJP worker from Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar district, who reportedly died during the post-poll violence. 

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