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.
The ripple effect of the Nupur Sharma controversy continued to direct misinformation trends on social media platforms in the past week as well. While an old video of the UAE President ‘honouring’ PM Modi with a gold necklace went viral amid the recent controversy stirred by ex-BJP spokesperson’s comments, a major news outlet falsely linked Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Wayanad vandalism to Udaipur killing. From The Hindu’s N Ram and Tamil Nadu minister P Thiagarajan wrongly being identified as Supreme Court Judges on the Nupur Sharma case to false claims about arrested activist Teesta Setalvad, here are our top 5 fact checks from the past week:
Did UAE President Honour PM Modi With A Gold Necklace Amid Nupur Sharma Row?
According to a social media post, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented Prime Minister Modi with a gold necklace as a sign of appreciation. According to the claim, the UAE, which took issue with Nupur Sharma’s contentious statement, now respects PM Modi. Our investigation has established that PM Modi received this distinction from the UAE roughly three years ago and it’s unrelated to Nupur Sharma’s case. Read more here.
Rahul Gandhi Referred To Udaipur Murder Accused As Children? No, Viral Claim Is False
A video of Rahul Gandhi along with the claim that he referred to the two accused in the Udaipur Kanhaiyalal murder case as children, and that he does not hold any enmity against them and should be forgiven, is going viral on social media. Newschecker found that a video of Gandhi calling SFI workers in Wayanad who vandalised his office as children who deserve to be forgiven is being passed of as him calling the murderers of Kanhaiyalal in Udaipur as children who should be forgiven. Read more here.
Nupur Sharma Case Judges With ‘Naxal Gang’? No, Prannoy Roy & Others Joined By N Ram And TN Finance Minister
A photograph showing CPI(M) leaders Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat, joined by Prannoy Roy and his wife Radhika Roy among others, is going viral on social media. Several users who shared the photograph claimed that two of the men at the table were Supreme Court Judges on the Nupur Sharma case, Justice Surya Kant and Justice JB Pardiwala. Newschecker found the claim to be untrue. Read more here.
Video Of Woman Spitting On Cops Is Not Activist Teesta Setalvad
A video is doing the rounds on social media showing a woman spitting on some female security personnel after being forced into a bus along with others. It is being claimed that the woman in the video is Teesta Setalvad. Newschecker’s investigation reveals that a video of Congress leader Netta D’souza spitting on security personnel is being passed off as Teesta Setalvad spitting on the police while being arrested. Read more here.
Atrocities Act To Be Invoked Against Those Who Verbally Abuse Brahmins? No, Viral Claim Is False
A post claiming that the Supreme Court of India has recognised a petition seeking action against those who verbally abuse the Brahmin community under the Atrocities Act is going viral on social media platforms. The viral post, which is being circulated in Hindi, reads “Supreme Court has given a big decision, those who verbally abuse the Brahmin community will be charged under the Atrocities Act. Newschecker found that the viral claim is false. Read more here.
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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.
