#FactCheck: 2023 Manipur Violence Video Falsely Shared as Indian Army Bombing Minority House
Executive Summary
A video showing a house collapsing after a massive explosion is being widely shared on social media with the claim that it shows the Indian Armed Forces bombing the house of a minority community in Manipur. CyberPeace Research Wing ’s research found that the claim is false. The viral video dates back to 2023 and shows a house being demolished in Churachandpur during the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur.
Claim:
An X (formerly Twitter) user shared the video with the caption: “This is Manipur, not Palestine. The Indian Army is destroying minority houses in Manipur.”
The post claimed that the visuals showed the Indian Army carrying out an attack on minority community houses in Manipur.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1042491035382024
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, CyberPeace Research Wing conducted a reverse image search using keyframes extracted from the viral video. During the search, we found the same video shared by NDTV’s official Instagram account on July 21, 2024.
According to the caption of the post, the video was from 2023, when ethnic clashes broke out between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur. The post stated that the incident took place in Churachandpur, where the house of Naorem Ibomcha Meitei was destroyed by the Kuki community during the violence.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/C9sQWeTSCFx/
Further research revealed that India Today had also shared the same video with similar details
https://www.instagram.com/reels/C9sRq1nSy51/
Conclusion:
The research found that the viral video is being circulated with a misleading claim. The footage does not show the Indian Armed Forces bombing a minority community’s house in Manipur. It is from 2023 and shows the demolition of a house in Churachandpur during the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities.
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Introduction
In the digital entertainment world, OTT platforms have become highly popular and have attracted larger audiences. They offer a wide variety of entertaining content. However, there are certain concerns about depicting illicit or objectionable content on such platforms. The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has been working on tackling issues like the availability of obscene content on online streaming platforms and other platforms. I&B Ministry has taken important steps to prevent the spread of such illicit or objectionable content.
The I&B Ministry has taken action against obscene and vulgar content on OTT platforms. A total 18 OTT platforms and several associated websites, apps, and social media handles have been blocked nationwide. The government has been in consistent talks with these platforms and issued several advisories, but they have not been adhered to. The decision was made after consultation with other ministries, domain experts, and industry bodies. The content allegedly obscene was found to depict nudity, sexual intercourse, and inappropriate sexual acts within societal contexts. The government states that it is the responsibility of platforms to ensure that content is not present in a vulgar fashion. Creativities do not necessarily mean promoting or propagating vulgar and sexual content.
Key Highlights of I&B Ministry Action against Obscene Content
On 14th March 2024, The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) announced the blocking of 18 OTT platforms, 19 Websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media handles for displaying obscene and vulgar content. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has announced the removal of 18 OTT platforms that published obscene and vulgar content, underscoring the responsibility of platforms to prevent the spread of such content. The decision was made under the Information Technology Act 2000 and in consultation with other Indian ministries and domain experts in media, entertainment, women's rights, and child rights.
List of Blocked OTT Platforms
OTT platforms that have been blocked are Dreams Films, Voovi, Yessma, Uncut Adda, Tri Flicks, X Prime, Neon X VIP, Besharams, Hunters, Rabbit, Xtramood, Nuefliks, MoodX, Mojflix, Hot Shots VIP, Fugi, Chikooflix, Prime Play.
It was highlighted that these OTT platforms, despite not being widely popular, have a significant viewership. One app has over 1 crore downloads, while two others have more than 50 lakh downloads on Google Play Store. These platforms also market their content through social media, with a combined followership of over 32 lakh.
Nature of content
The ministry reported that a significant portion of the content on social media platforms was obscene, vulgar, and demeaning, depicting nudity and sexual acts in inappropriate contexts like teacher-student relationships and incestuous family relationships. The content included sexual innuendos and prolonged pornographic scenes without any thematic or societal relevance. It was further stated that the content was found to be prima facie in violation of Section 67 and 67A of the Information & Technology Act, 2000, Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
Way Forward
The press release by the ministry stated that “The Government of India remains committed to fostering the growth and development of the OTT industry. Several measures have been undertaken in this regard, including the introduction of the Inaugural OTT Award for Web Series at the 54th International Film Festival of India, collaboration with OTT platforms in the media and entertainment sector, and the establishment of a light touch regulatory framework with an emphasis on self-regulation under the IT Rules, 2021.”
This shows that the Indian government is dedicated to promoting the growth of the OTT industry but within certain checks or oversight mechanisms to prevent illicit or objectionable content on such platforms.
OTT Content and Regulatory Checks
Online content streaming on OTT platforms lacks regulatory checks, unlike films, which are reviewed and certified by a government-appointed board. The government has instructed streaming services to independently review content for obscenity and violence before it is made available online. There have been repeated instances where criticism has been raised about the illicit or violative depicted content in some OTT shows. This highlights the issue of checks and balances. The government has urged self-regulation on platforms, but the repeated instances of illicit content raise societal concerns. The Ministry of I&B is keen towards promoting ethical & moral standards of content that is being hosted on online OTT platforms.
Conclusion
The Ministry of I&B has taken a step and announced the shutdown of 18 OTT platforms that were engaged in depicting illicit content. This shows that the I&B Ministry is committed to promoting ethical online content. While legislative measures are required to prevent the spread of such illicit or violative content, joint efforts by the government, industry players, and civil society are critical to ensuring a secure and responsible digital environment for all users.
References
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2014477
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-bans-ott-platforms-websites-and-apps-over-obscene-and-vulgar-content/article67949819.ece
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/ib-ministry-blocks-18-ott-platforms-for-vulgar-content/articleshow/108485880.cms?from=mdr
- https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/information-and-broadcasting-ministry-blocks-18-ott-platforms-for-obscene-and-vulgar-content-9213749/
- https://www.storyboard18.com/ott-news/mib-blocks-18-ott-platforms-for-showing-obscene-and-vulgar-content-26400.htm
Introduction
Betting has long been associated with sporting activities and has found a growing presence in online gaming and esports globally. As the esports industry continues to expand, Statista has projected that it will reach a market value of $5.9 billion by 2029. As such, associated markets have also seen significant growth. In 2024, this segment accounted for an estimated $2.5 billion globally. While such engagement avenues are popular among international audiences, they also bring attention to concerns around regulation, integrity, and user protection. As esports builds its credibility and reach, especially among younger demographics, these aspects become increasingly important to address in policy and practice.
What Does Esports Betting Involve?
Much like traditional sports, esports engagement in some regions includes the practice of wagering on teams, players, or match outcomes. But it is inherently more complex. The accurate valuation of odds in online gaming and esports can be complicated by frequently updated game titles, changing teams, and shifting updates to game mechanics (called metas- most effective strategies). Bets can be placed using real money, virtual items like skins (digital avatars), or increasingly, cryptocurrency.
Esports and Wagering: Emerging Issues and Implications
- Legal Grey Areas: While countries like South Korea and some USA states have dedicated regulations for esports betting and licensed bookmaking, most do not. This creates legal grey areas for betting service providers to access unregulated markets, increasing the risk of fraud, money laundering, and exploitation of bettors in those regions.
- The Skill v/s Chance Dilemma: Most gambling laws across the world regulate betting based on the distinction between ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance’. Betting on the latter is typically illegal, since winning depends on chance. But the definitions of ‘skill’ and ‘chance’ may vary by jurisdiction. Also, esports betting often blurs into gambling. Outcomes may depend on player skill, but in-game economies like skin betting and unpredictable gameplay introduce elements of chance, complicating regulation and making enforcement difficult.
- Underage Gambling and Addiction Risks: Players are often minors and are exposed to the gambling ecosystem due to gamified betting through reward systems like loot boxes. These often mimic the mechanics of betting, normalising gambling behaviours among young users before they fully understand the risks. This can lead to the development of addictive behaviours.
- Match-Fixing and Loss of Integrity: Esports are particularly susceptible to match-fixing because of weak regulation, financial pressures, and the anonymity of online betting. Instances like the Dota 2 Southeast Asia Scandals (2023) and Valorant match-fixing in North America (2021) can jeopardise audience trust and sponsorships. This affects the trustworthiness of minor tournaments, where talent is discovered.
- Cybersecurity and Data Risks: Esports betting apps collect sensitive user data, making them an attractive target for cybercrime. Bettors are susceptible to identity theft, financial fraud, and data breaches, especially on unlicensed platforms.
Way Forward
To strengthen trust, ensure user safety, and protect privacy within the esports ecosystem, responsible management of betting practices can be achieved through targeted interventions focused on:
- National-Level Regulations: Countries like India have a large online gaming and esports market. It will need to create a regulatory authority along the lines of the UK’s Gambling Commission and update its gambling laws to protect consumers.
- Protection of Minors: Setting guardrails such as age verification, responsible advertising, anti-fraud mechanisms, self-exclusion tools, and spending caps can help to keep a check on gambling by minors.
- Harmonizing Global Standards: Since esports is inherently global, aligning core regulatory principles across jurisdictions (such as through multi-country agreements or voluntary industry codes of conduct) can help create consistency while avoiding overregulation.
- Co-Regulation: Governments, esports organisers, betting platforms, and player associations should work closely to design effective, well-informed policies. This can help uphold the interests of all stakeholders in the industry.
Conclusion
Betting in esports is inevitable. But the industry faces a double dilemma- overregulating on the one hand, or letting gambling go unchecked, on the other. Both can be detrimental to its growth. This is why there is a need for industry actors like policymakers, platforms and organisers to work together to harmonise legal inconsistencies, protect vulnerable users and invest in forming data security. Forming industry-wide ethics boards, promoting regional regulatory dialogue, and instating transparency measures for betting operators can be a step in this direction to ensure that esports evolves into a mature, trusted global industry.
Sources
Executive Summary
A video showing armed personnel detaining individuals on board a ship is being widely shared on social media with the claim that Indian Navy’s MARCOS captured 35 Somali pirates during a recent anti-piracy operation. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is actually from the joint military exercise ‘LAMITIYE 2026’, held in Seychelles in March, involving the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
Claim
Users on X (formerly Twitter) shared the clip with captions such as: “Indian Navy MARCOS captured 35 Somali pirates,” presenting it as footage of a recent anti-piracy mission.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to the same video posted on March 20 by a Facebook page named “Defence Squad.” The caption identified the visuals as showing Indian Navy MARCOS and the Seychelles Defence Forces’ Special Operations Unit during the joint military exercise LAMITIYE 2026.
Link:
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1263962865936234
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1263962865936234
Further keyword searches led to multiple news reports carrying screenshots from the same video. These reports confirmed that the 11th India-Seychelles joint military exercise, LAMITIYE 2026, was conducted in Seychelles from March 9 to March 20.
We did not find any recent reports about the Indian Navy capturing Somali pirates. However, in March 2024, the Indian Navy had captured 35 Somali pirates who had hijacked a bulk carrier and taken hostages. The suspects were later handed over to Mumbai Police for legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. The video being circulated as footage of an anti-piracy operation by the Indian Navy does not show the capture of Somali pirates. Instead, it is from the India-Seychelles joint military exercise ‘LAMITIYE 2026’, conducted in March with the participation of the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces. While the Indian Navy had indeed captured 35 Somali pirates in a separate incident in March 2024, there are no credible or recent reports linking such an operation to the viral video. The clip has been taken out of context and is being shared with a false narrative, leading to misinformation about a routine military exercise.
