A set of two photos, one of which shows a man embracing a young Sikh soldier, goes viral on social media in the context of the ongoing peasant agitation. It is alleged that shortly after receiving leave, the soldier came to meet his father on the border of Delhi, where he had been protesting against the farm laws for 75 days.
India Today Anti Fake News War Room (AFWA) found the allegation along with the photos to be misleading. The photo was not taken in Delhi but in Ludjiana of Punjab.
The claim is widely distributed Facebook and Twitter. Some verified Twitter handles also shared the post. The archived version can be seen here.
75
, # FarmersProtests pic.twitter.com/Rccka2r8bD
– VINOD JHAKAR (@VinodJakharIN) 6 February 2021
AFWA investigation
We found no credible news story about the viral photos. But using some clues on the photos, AFWA determined they were from Ludhiana.
The viral photos show a board of directors of the shipping company ‘FedEx’ behind the men and another with ‘PARKING BUS STAND’ written on it. Although it can not be seen clearly, the second sign reveals ‘LUDHIANA’ which is printed just below the words ‘BUS STAND’, when viewed more closely. Some other signs in Punjabi can also be seen.
Use related keywords, we found that a “FedEx” point of sale is indeed located near Ludhiana bus stop. AFWA reached the owner of this “FedEx” store Surinder Bansal using the contact number on the internet.
Bansal confirmed to us that the viral photos are outside his shop near Ludhiana bus stop. However, he could not tell us anything about the soldiers seen in the photos.
Our correspondent from Ludhiana visited the same place and clicked some photos to confirm the information given by Bansal. These pictures show exactly the same signs as on the viral photos.
We also have a video of this place in which the sign of “PARKING BUS STAND” can be seen.
India Today could not verify the identity of the soldiers or the two other men seen in the viral photos. But it is clear that there has been clicks at Ludhiana and not Delhi, and the accompanying message is also misleading.
(With input from Munish Atrey in Ludhiana)
ClaimShortly after being granted leave, this soldier hurried to the border of Delhi to meet his father, who has been protesting against the farm laws for 75 days.ClosureThe photos are not from Delhi but Ludhiana in Punjab. However, the people seen in the photos could not be identified.
JHOOTH BOLE KAUVA KAATE
The number of crows determines the intensity of the lie.
- 1 Crow: Half true
- 2 crows: mostly lies
- 3 crows: absolutely false
