#FactCheck- Doctored Audio in News18 Video Fuels False ‘Operation Sindoor’ Claim
Executive Summary
A video clip bearing the logo of News18 is being widely shared on social media with the claim that a serving Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked in Delhi by an RSS-supporting mob for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.” The clip features an anchor allegedly explaining the motive behind the assault. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The viral video has been digitally manipulated, with its audio altered to include misleading information.
Claim
An X user (@Mohammad776157) shared a video clip from Network18 on April 13, claiming that a serving Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked in Delhi by an RSS-supporting mob for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.”
- https://x.com/Mohammad776157/status/2043691737609347166?s=20
- https://archive.ph/5EpbJ
To verify the claim, we extracted multiple keyframes from the viral video using the InVid tool and conducted reverse image searches via Google Lens. The same clip was found circulating across several social media platforms with similar claims.
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/2397972117364665
- https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXE4FFdjcnq/
- https://archive.ph/hjG3b
- https://archive.ph/9IkTY
Fact Check
Since the video carried the News18 logo, we examined the outlet’s official social media handles. We found the original video on its X account, where the visuals matched the viral clip. However, a detailed analysis of the original footage showed that the anchor never stated that the brigadier and his son were attacked for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.”
In the authentic version, the anchor reported that the assault took place in Delhi’s Vasant Enclave after the brigadier objected to two individuals consuming alcohol inside a car parked outside his residence. This clearly indicates that the audio in the viral clip was tampered with to insert a false narrative.
For further verification, we extracted the audio segment from the viral clip and analysed it using Resemble AI. The tool indicated that the portion describing the motive behind the attack had been digitally manipulated.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false. The video has been altered by modifying its audio to mislead viewers. In reality, the assault was not related to “Operation Sindoor” but occurred after the brigadier objected to public drinking near his residence.
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Introduction
The recent events in Mira Road, a bustling suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, unfold like a modern-day parable, cautioning us against the perils of unverified digital content. The Mira Road incident, a communal clash that erupted into the physical realm, has been mirrored and magnified through the prism of social media. The Maharashtra Police, in a concerted effort to quell the spread of discord, issued stern warnings against the dissemination of rumours and fake messages. These digital phantoms, they stressed, have the potential to ignite law and order conflagrations, threatening the delicate tapestry of peace.
The police's clarion call came in the wake of a video, mischievously edited, that falsely claimed anti-social elements had set the Mira Road railway station ablaze. This digital doppelgänger of reality swiftly went viral, its tendrils reaching into the ubiquitous realm of WhatsApp, ensnaring the unsuspecting in its web of deceit.
In this age of information overload, where the line between fact and fabrication blurs, the police urged citizens to exercise discernment. The note they issued was not merely an advisory but a plea for vigilance, a reminder that the act of sharing unauthenticated messages is not a passive one; it is an act that can disturb the peace and unravel the fabric of society.
The Massacre
The police's response to this crisis was multifaceted. Administrators and members of social media groups found to be the harbingers of such falsehoods would face legal repercussions. The Thane District, a mosaic of cultural and religious significance, has been marred by a series of violent incidents, casting a shadow over its storied history. The police, in their role as guardians of order, have detained individuals, scoured social media for inauthentic posts, and maintained a vigilant presence in the region.
The Maharashtra cyber cell, a digital sentinel, has unearthed approximately 15 posts laden with videos and messages designed to sow discord among the masses. These findings were shared with the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police, who stand ready to take appropriate action. Inspector General Yashasvi Yadav of the Maharashtra cyber cell issued an appeal to the public, urging them to refrain from circulating such unverified messages, reinforcing the notion that the propagation of inauthentic information is, in itself, a crime.
The MBVV police, in their zero-tolerance stance, have formed a team dedicated to scrutinizing social media posts. The message is clear: fake news will be met with strict action. The right to free speech on social media comes with the responsibility not to share information that could incite mischief. The Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act serve as the bulwarks against such transgressions.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of the clashes, the police have worked tirelessly to restore calm. A young man, whose video replete with harsh and obscene language went viral, was apprehended and has since apologised for his actions. The MBVV police have also taken to social media to reassure the public that the situation is under control, urging them to avoid circulating messages that could exacerbate tensions.
The Thane district has witnessed acts of vandalism targeting shops, further escalating tensions. In response, the police have apprehended individuals linked to these acts, hoping that such measures will expedite the return of peace. Advisories have been issued, warning against the dissemination of provocative messages and rumours.
In total, 19 individuals have been taken into custody in relation to numerous incidents of violence. The Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar police have underscored their commitment to legal action against those who spread rumours through fake messages. The authorities have also highlighted the importance of brotherhood and unity, reminding citizens that above all, they are Indians first.
Conclusion
In a world where old videos, stripped of context, can fuel tensions, the police have issued a note referring to the aforementioned fake video message. They urge citizens to exercise caution, to neither believe nor circulate such messages. Police Authorities have assured that no one involved in the violence will be spared, and peace committees are being convened to restore harmony. The Mira Road incident serves as a sign of the prowess of information and responsibility that comes with it. In the digital age, where the ephemeral and the eternal collide, we must navigate the waters of truth with care. Ultimately, it is not just the image of a locality that is at stake, but the essence of our collective humanity.
References
- https://youtu.be/gK2Ac1qP-nE?feature=shared
- https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/mira-road-communal-clash-those-spreading-fake-messages-to-face-strict-action-say-mira-bhayandar-vasai-virar-cops-23331572
- https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mira-road-communal-clash-cybercops-on-alert-for-fake-clips-23331653
- https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/01/24/bom43-mh-shops-3rdld-vandalism.html
Executive Summary
Even after the conclusion of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, several misleading claims related to the demonstration continue to circulate on social media. During the protests, multiple AI-generated videos, deepfakes and fabricated narratives were circulated with the intention of misleading users. CyberPeace Research Wing’s Fact Check Team investigated several such viral claims and found that many of the videos were digitally manipulated or created using artificial intelligence (AI). The research revealed that fake audio, misleading captions and altered visuals were used to falsely attribute statements to public figures, including police officials, military officers and Union ministers. The following are four major false claims debunked by the CyberPeace Research Wing:
Claim 1: Delhi Police DCP Sumit Jha resigned from IPS in support of student protests
A video of Delhi Police DCP Sumit Jha was widely shared on social media with the claim that he resigned from the Indian Police Service (IPS) in support of the student movement at Jantar Mantar. In the viral video, DCP Sumit Jha is allegedly heard saying that he was resigning from his post with immediate effect and could not remain part of a system that forced him to spread false information against students. The video was shared with the claim that Delhi Police DCP Sumit Jha resigned from his position to support protesting students.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral video on July 28, 2026, claiming that Delhi Police DCP Sumit Jha had resigned from his post in support of protesting students.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbUr6CPoB13/
Fact Check
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false. The research revealed that DCP Sumit Jha has not resigned from his position. The viral video was digitally manipulated by adding AI-generated audio to an original video shared by the Delhi Police on its official X account on July 23, 2026.
The video was further analysed using the AI detection tool HIVE Moderation. The tool’s analysis indicated that the audio used in the viral video had a 91.8 per cent probability of being AI-generated, confirming that the audio was artificially created and was not authentic.
Claim 2: CDS Raja Subramani confirmed that more than 30,000 soldiers resigned over Jantar Mantar protests
A video featuring Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Raja Subramani was widely circulated on social media with the false claim that he confirmed the resignation of more than 30,000 Indian Army personnel following the Jantar Mantar protest. The viral video claimed that soldiers had refused to serve the government after police action against protesting students.
Claim
A Facebook user shared the video claiming: "After the protests at Jantar Mantar, India’s Chief of Defence Staff Raja Subramani has issued an emergency alert, saying that more than 30,000 soldiers have resigned in protest because their children were brutally beaten at Jantar Mantar."
Fact Check
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false. The research revealed that the video featuring CDS Raja Subramani was digitally manipulated using AI-generated audio. The original video did not contain any statement related to soldiers resigning or the Jantar Mantar protest. Further research led us to the same video posted by the Instagram account myyouthindia, where CDS Raja Subramani can be seen extending his best wishes to teams participating in the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup Football Tournament. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbEGRGBsKv8/
The audio circulating with the viral video was falsely added to create a misleading narrative.
Claim 3: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned protesters of strict action
A video featuring Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was widely circulated on social media with the claim that he issued a strict warning against student protesters. In the viral clip, Singh was allegedly heard saying that the government would not tolerate “anarchy” and that strict action would be taken against those blocking roads, disturbing public order or damaging government property.
Claim
An X user (@ForumDefence) shared the video on July 22, 2026, claiming that Rajnath Singh had issued a warning regarding the ongoing student protest.
Fact Check
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false.The original video available on Rajnath Singh’s official YouTube channel was digitally altered by adding AI-generated audio. The statement heard in the viral video was not made by the Defence Minister and was created using artificial intelligence. The viral video was also analysed using the AI detection tool HIVE Moderation. The analysis indicated that the speech used in the video had an 88.1 per cent probability of being AI-generated.
Claim 4: Piyush Goyal threatened to hang CJP supporters
A video of Union Minister Piyush Goyal was shared on social media with the false claim that he threatened protesters and called for two to three CJP supporters to be hanged to "teach the rest of them a lesson." In the AI-manipulated video, Goyal was allegedly heard saying: "To teach the CJP a lesson, we should hang two to three of its supporters so that they understand the real power of the government."
https://x.com/HinduReformer/status/2080367073117790288?s=20
Fact Check
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found that the viral video was digitally manipulated using AI-generated audio. The original video, posted on the Press Trust of India’s official X account, showed Piyush Goyal discussing the government’s response to examination paper leaks and appealing for the issue to be resolved through dialogue. He made no remarks threatening protesters or calling for the execution of CJP supporters.
The audio and statements attributed to him in the viral video were fabricated using AI technology.
Conclusion
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found that all four viral claims related to the CJP protest were false. The videos circulating on social media were either digitally manipulated or created using AI-generated audio to falsely attribute statements to public officials. The research highlights how AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated content are increasingly being used to spread misinformation during sensitive events.
Introduction
Considering the development of technology, Voice cloning schemes are one such issue that has recently come to light. Scammers are moving forward with AI, and their methods and plans for deceiving and scamming people have also altered. Deepfake technology creates realistic imitations of a person’s voice that can be used to conduct fraud, dupe a person into giving up crucial information, or even impersonate a person for illegal purposes. We will look at the dangers and risks associated with AI voice cloning frauds, how scammers operate and how one might protect themselves from one.
What is Deepfake?
Artificial intelligence (AI), known as “deepfake,” can produce fake or altered audio, video, and film that pass for the real thing. The words “deep learning” and “fake” are combined to get the name “deep fake”. Deepfake technology creates content with a realistic appearance or sound by analysing and synthesising diverse volumes of data using machine learning algorithms. Con artists employ technology to portray someone doing something that has never been in audio or visual form. The best example is the American President, who used deep voice impersonation technology. Deep voice impersonation technology can be used maliciously, such as in deep voice fraud or disseminating false information. As a result, there is growing concerned about the potential influence of deep fake technology on society and the need for effective tools to detect and mitigate the hazards it may provide.
What exactly are deepfake voice scams?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is sometimes utilised in deepfake speech frauds to create synthetic audio recordings that seem like real people. Con artists can impersonate someone else over the phone and pressure their victims into providing personal information or paying money by using contemporary technology. A con artist may pose as a bank employee, a government official, or a friend or relative by utilising a deep false voice. It aims to earn the victim’s trust and raise the likelihood that they will fall for the hoax by conveying a false sense of familiarity and urgency. Deep fake speech frauds are increasing in frequency as deep fake technology becomes more widely available, more sophisticated, and harder to detect. In order to avoid becoming a victim of such fraud, it is necessary to be aware of the risks and take appropriate measures.
Why do cybercriminals use AI voice deep fake?
In order to mislead users into providing private information, money, or system access, cybercriminals utilise artificial intelligence (AI) speech-deep spoofing technology to claim to be people or entities. Using AI voice-deep fake technology, cybercriminals can create audio recordings that mimic real people or entities, such as CEOs, government officials, or bank employees, and use them to trick victims into taking activities that are advantageous to the criminals. This can involve asking victims for money, disclosing login credentials, or revealing sensitive information. In phishing assaults, where fraudsters create audio recordings that impersonate genuine messages from organisations or people that victims trust, deepfake AI voice technology can also be employed. These audio recordings can trick people into downloading malware, clicking on dangerous links, or giving out personal information. Additionally, false audio evidence can be produced using AI voice-deep fake technology to support false claims or accusations. This is particularly risky regarding legal processes because falsified audio evidence may lead to wrongful convictions or acquittals. Artificial intelligence voice deep fake technology gives con artists a potent tool for tricking and controlling victims. Every organisation and the general population must be informed of this technology’s risk and adopt the appropriate safety measures.
How to spot voice deepfake and avoid them?
Deep fake technology has made it simpler for con artists to edit audio recordings and create phoney voices that exactly mimic real people. As a result, a brand-new scam called the “deep fake voice scam” has surfaced. In order to trick the victim into handing over money or private information, the con artist assumes another person’s identity and uses a fake voice. What are some ways to protect oneself from deepfake voice scams? Here are some guidelines to help you spot them and keep away from them:
- Steer clear of telemarketing calls
- One of the most common tactics used by deep fake voice con artists, who pretend to be bank personnel or government officials, is making unsolicited phone calls.
- Listen closely to the voice
- Anyone who phones you pretending to be someone else should pay special attention to their voice. Are there any peculiar pauses or inflexions in their speech? Something that doesn’t seem right can be a deep voice fraud.
- Verify the caller’s identity
- It’s crucial to verify the caller’s identity in order to avoid falling for a deep false voice scam. You might ask for their name, job title, and employer when in doubt. You can then do some research to be sure they are who they say they are.
- Never divulge confidential information
- No matter who calls, never give out personal information like your Aadhar, bank account information, or passwords over the phone. Any legitimate companies or organisations will never request personal or financial information over the phone; if they do, it’s a warning sign that they’re a scammer.
- Report any suspicious activities
- Inform the appropriate authorities if you think you’ve fallen victim to a deep voice fraud. This may include your bank, credit card company, local police station, or the nearest cyber cell. By reporting the fraud, you could prevent others from being a victim.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the field of AI voice deep fake technology is fast expanding and has huge potential for beneficial and detrimental effects. While deep fake voice technology has the potential to be used for good, such as improving speech recognition systems or making voice assistants sound more realistic, it may also be used for evil, such as deep fake voice frauds and impersonation to fabricate stories. Users must be aware of the hazard and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves as AI voice deep fake technology develops, making it harder to detect and prevent deep fake schemes. Additionally, it is necessary to conduct ongoing research and develop efficient techniques to identify and control the risks related to this technology. We must deploy AI appropriately and ethically to ensure that AI voice-deep fake technology benefits society rather than harming or deceiving it.
