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.
Claim
Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat seen leaving the protest site after calling off the agitation against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Fact
Over a-week-old photograph from the protest site in Delhi. Wrestlers’ protest continues at Jantar Mantar.
Prominent Indian wrestlers have been protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging sexual misconduct. Now, a photograph of wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, who are leading the protest, likely coming out of a tent holding their belongings, is being widely shared on social media platforms. Those who shared the photograph claimed that the wrestlers have called off the protest
Twitter user @Lohia_Krishna_ shared the photograph with a caption in Hindi saying, “…brother-in-law, sister-in-law struggle committee is over.”
Multiple other social media users posted the photograph, “Toolkit wale ne paisa nahi bhejya tata bye bye Agle toolkit activate hoga? Tab milenge ( People who manage toolkits have not sent the money… bye… when the next toolkit activates? Will meet then)” The caption suggests that the wrestlers seen in the photograph are leaving the protest site.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Old Video Of Brij Bhushan Singh Slapping Wrestler Falsely Linked To Recent Wrestlers Protest
Fact Check/Verification
We began by looking up the official Twitter handles of the wrestlers leading the protest at Jantar Mantar, however did not find any post suggesting that they had called off the agitation. In fact, Vinesh Phogat tweeted a photograph at 01:21 pm on May 7, with the caption in Hindi, “Injustice prevails only till voice of justice is not raised. #IStandWithMyChampions #WrestlersProtest #WeWantJustice”
Further, no recent reports on the protest indicated that the wrestlers have left the site. On the contrary, a report by Hindustan Times, updated on May 07, 2023 01:09 pm stated, “Security has been beefed up at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar amid farmers and Samyukta Kisan Morcha’s planned nationwide protests in support of the protesting grapplers. Several leaders of the SKM from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are expected to visit the protest site at Jantar Mantar.”
Hence, we understand that the wrestlers’ protest at Jantar Mantar has not been called off as widely claimed. We continued our investigation to ascertain the whereabouts on the viral photograph.
A Google lens search on the viral photograph led us to a report in The Quint, dated April 29, 2023, titled ‘Wrestlers Protest: Bajrang Punia Says Delhi Police Cut Their Electricity Line.’
The report carried the viral photograph with the caption, “Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat at the protest site.”
Also Read: This Image Does Not Show Phogat Sisters At Ongoing Wrestlers’ Protest
Another report by the Hindustan Times, dated April 29, 2023, also featured the viral photograph with the caption, “Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sangita Phogat following a night stay at Jantar Mantar amid their protest, in New Delhi, early Friday, April 28, 2023.”
Conclusion
Over a-week-old photograph from Jantar Mantar is shared to falsely show wrestlers leaving the protest site.
Result: False
Sources
Tweet By @Phogat_Vinesh, Dated May 7, 2023
Report Published In The Quint, Dated April 29, 2023
Report By Hindustan Times, Dated April 29, 2023
If you would like us to fact-check a claim, give feedback or lodge a complaint, WhatsApp us at 9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill out the form.
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.
