Navigating the Path to CyberPeace: Insights and Strategies
Featured #factCheck Blogs
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media with the claim that a person attempted to set a Thar vehicle on fire during the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found that the viral video is not from Jantar Mantar, Delhi. The footage is from Gaya, Bihar, where some people allegedly attempted to set a vehicle on fire after a collision involving a Thar and other vehicles on July 16.
Claim:
A 23-second video is being shared on Facebook claiming to show a person attempting to set a Thar vehicle on fire during the ongoing NEET paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. In the video, a man can be seen trying to ignite the vehicle, while police personnel intervene and stop him. However, the crowd continues to attempt to set the vehicle on fire.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1575765261002644
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. During the research, we found the same video uploaded on the News18 YouTube channel on July 18, 2026. The caption accompanying the video identified the incident as being from Bihar.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fzAPajxyi3A
Further, a keyword search led us to a report published by Dainik Bhaskar on July 16, 2026. The report contained visuals matching the viral video, along with the statement of the person seen in the viral footage.
According to the report, the incident took place in Gaya, Bihar, after a collision between a Thar vehicle and other vehicles. Following the accident, some people gathered at the spot and allegedly attempted to set the vehicle on fire.
Conclusion:
CyberPeace Research Wing’s fact check found the viral claim to be misleading. The video does not show an incident from the ongoing Jantar Mantar protest in Delhi. The footage is from Gaya, Bihar, where a Thar vehicle was involved in a collision with other vehicles on July 16, following which some people attempted to set the vehicle on fire.
Executive Summary:
A video showing a convoy of soldiers travelling on motorcycles is being widely shared on social media with the claim that the personnel were heading towards Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to support the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false. The viral video is not related to the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. The footage predates the ongoing demonstration and is being circulated with a misleading claim.
Claim:
A social media user shared the viral video claiming that soldiers were travelling towards Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to support the youth participating in the CJP protest over issues related to the country’s education system. The post claimed that the soldiers were joining the protest to raise their voice on issues concerning the nation, youth, and their future.
https://x.com/RoflGandhee/status/2079986496556204066?s=20
A reverse image search using Google Lens led the Desk to a video uploaded on a YouTube channel named Commando Journey. Upon comparison, the Desk found that the YouTube video contained the same visuals as the viral video under research. Further verification of the video details revealed that the footage predates the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. The protest, which began in June 2026, has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations. The video was uploaded on the YouTube channel in February 2026, several months before the CJP protest began, confirming that it has been falsely linked to the recent demonstration.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cMvai580gdo
As part of the next phase of the research, the Desk reviewed several other videos uploaded on the same YouTube channel. During the analysis, the Desk identified multiple videos featuring visuals matching those seen in the viral clip. However, these videos were also uploaded before the CJP protest in Delhi, with one of the videos dating back to October 2025.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7eDc9TqOpzM
Conclusion
While the Desk could not independently verify the exact origin and context of the video, the research established that the footage predates the CJP protest and has been falsely linked to the demonstration. Based on the findings, the Desk concluded that the video shared on social media does not show soldiers travelling to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to support the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest. The footage is unrelated to the ongoing protest and has been circulated with a misleading claim.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media with the claim that a person attempted to set a Thar vehicle on fire during the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found that the viral video is not from Jantar Mantar, Delhi. The footage is from Gaya, Bihar, where some people allegedly attempted to set a vehicle on fire after a collision involving a Thar and other vehicles on July 16.
Claim:
A 23-second video is being shared on Facebook claiming to show a person attempting to set a Thar vehicle on fire during the ongoing NEET paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. In the video, a man can be seen trying to ignite the vehicle, while police personnel intervene and stop him. However, the crowd continues to attempt to set the vehicle on fire.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1575765261002644
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. During the research, we found the same video uploaded on the News18 YouTube channel on July 18, 2026. The caption accompanying the video identified the incident as being from Bihar.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fzAPajxyi3A
Further, a keyword search led us to a report published by Dainik Bhaskar on July 16, 2026. The report contained visuals matching the viral video, along with the statement of the person seen in the viral footage.
According to the report, the incident took place in Gaya, Bihar, after a collision between a Thar vehicle and other vehicles. Following the accident, some people gathered at the spot and allegedly attempted to set the vehicle on fire.
Conclusion:
CyberPeace Research Wing’s fact check found the viral claim to be misleading. The video does not show an incident from the ongoing Jantar Mantar protest in Delhi. The footage is from Gaya, Bihar, where a Thar vehicle was involved in a collision with other vehicles on July 16, following which some people attempted to set the vehicle on fire.
Executive Summary:
A video showing a convoy of soldiers travelling on motorcycles is being widely shared on social media with the claim that the personnel were heading towards Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to support the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false. The viral video is not related to the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. The footage predates the ongoing demonstration and is being circulated with a misleading claim.
Claim:
A social media user shared the viral video claiming that soldiers were travelling towards Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to support the youth participating in the CJP protest over issues related to the country’s education system. The post claimed that the soldiers were joining the protest to raise their voice on issues concerning the nation, youth, and their future.
https://x.com/RoflGandhee/status/2079986496556204066?s=20
A reverse image search using Google Lens led the Desk to a video uploaded on a YouTube channel named Commando Journey. Upon comparison, the Desk found that the YouTube video contained the same visuals as the viral video under research. Further verification of the video details revealed that the footage predates the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. The protest, which began in June 2026, has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations. The video was uploaded on the YouTube channel in February 2026, several months before the CJP protest began, confirming that it has been falsely linked to the recent demonstration.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cMvai580gdo
As part of the next phase of the research, the Desk reviewed several other videos uploaded on the same YouTube channel. During the analysis, the Desk identified multiple videos featuring visuals matching those seen in the viral clip. However, these videos were also uploaded before the CJP protest in Delhi, with one of the videos dating back to October 2025.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7eDc9TqOpzM
Conclusion
While the Desk could not independently verify the exact origin and context of the video, the research established that the footage predates the CJP protest and has been falsely linked to the demonstration. Based on the findings, the Desk concluded that the video shared on social media does not show soldiers travelling to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to support the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest. The footage is unrelated to the ongoing protest and has been circulated with a misleading claim.
Executive Summary
A news graphic is being widely shared on social media claiming that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will resign on July 22. The graphic quotes him as saying, "Respecting the sentiments of the country's youth, I have taken this decision." CyberPeace Research Wing ’s research found the claim to be false. The probe revealed that no official announcement has been made regarding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister. However, demands for his resignation have intensified from opposition parties and student groups over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, leading to protests in Delhi and other places. The research also found that the viral news graphic circulating on social media was likely created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Claim:
A social media user on Instagram shared the viral news graphic on July 21, 2026, claiming that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is set to resign on July 22. The post also claimed that Pradhan said during a press conference, "Respecting the sentiments of the country's youth, I have taken this decision."
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbEMoRtgLfT/?igsh=c3g3dzZxZ2U3YW01
Fact Check:
To verify the authenticity of the viral claim, we conducted a Google search using relevant keywords. However, we did not find any credible media reports confirming that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is resigning on July 22.Further, we examined the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. No official announcement or post related to his resignation was found on his account.
https://x.com/dpradhanbjp?lang=en
Upon examining the viral news graphic, we noticed several indicators suggesting that it could be AI-generated. To verify this, we analysed the graphic using the AI detection tool AI or Not. The tool’s analysis indicated a 94% probability that the graphic was generated using AI.
We also scanned the viral graphic through another AI detection tool, WasIt AI. According to the tool’s results, the probability of the graphic being AI-generated was found to be 87%.
Conclusion:
CyberPeace Research Wing ’s fact check found the viral claim to be false. No official announcement has been made regarding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, and reports claiming that he will resign on July 22 are incorrect. The research further revealed that the viral news graphic circulating on social media was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Executive Summary
A video showing police personnel allegedly snatching and tearing a Palestine flag from a woman protester is being widely shared on social media. Users are claiming that the video was recorded during the ongoing CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister over the NEET paper leak. CyberPeace Research Wing ’s research found that the viral claim is misleading. The video is not related to the ongoing CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak. The footage dates back to 2023 and is being falsely linked to a recent protest.
Claim:
A social media user shared the viral video claiming that a woman protester arrived at the NEET paper leak protest carrying a Palestine flag.
https://x.com/SilentFrameM/status/2079138742795939907
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led us to a YouTube video uploaded by Indian Observer on October 30, 2023, featuring the same visuals. The video description identified the footage as being from a pro-Palestine demonstration held at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with Palestinians.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_JhJyZ-Djyw
We also found an October 2023 report by Free Press Journal carrying the same visuals. According to the report, several students and civil society members had gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip and express solidarity with Palestine. During the protest, Delhi Police briefly detained more than 50 demonstrators. As the detainees were being escorted away, a woman carrying a paper Palestine flag was seen confronting police personnel, who allegedly snatched and tore the flag.
Conclusion:
CyberPeace Research Wing ’s fact check found the viral claim to be misleading. The video is not from the ongoing CJP-led NEET paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar. The footage is from a pro-Palestine demonstration held in October 2023 and has been falsely shared as a recent video from the ongoing protests.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media with the claim that protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Delhi pelted stones at India’s first hydrogen train. The viral video shows a train parked at a railway station being attacked with stones amid chaos and heavy commotion. Social media users are claiming that the incident took place at a Delhi railway station, where protesters targeted the country’s new hydrogen train during the CJP march towards Jantar Mantar and damaged public property. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false. The viral video is not related to the CJP protest or India’s first hydrogen train. The video is from Bihar, where candidates appearing for a Bihar Police Prohibition Department examination had protested over train delays, leading to clashes and stone-pelting.
Claim:
A social media post claimed:“New Delhi: During the march towards Jantar Mantar, a video of stone-pelting on a hydrogen train parked at a railway station is going viral. Some people can be seen throwing stones at the train. Damaging public property is a punishable offence. Further action will be taken based on official information from authorities.”
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1573292581055475
Fact Check:
To verify the authenticity of the viral claim, we extracted keyframes from the video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the research, we found the same video clip uploaded on the Facebook page News Bihar on June 14, 2026. According to the post’s caption, the incident took place at Danapur–Patliputra railway station in Patna, Bihar, where thousands of candidates appearing for the Bihar Police Prohibition Department examination became agitated due to train delays. The protest escalated after candidates blocked railway tracks, leading to a confrontation between police personnel and students, including stone-pelting.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2476273089511309
During further research, we found a video uploaded by Republic World’s YouTube channel on June 14, 2026, which also contained visuals matching the viral clip. The report stated that students in Bihar staged an aggressive protest after trains were delayed. During the protest, clashes broke out between police and students, and authorities used mild force to control the situation.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AlamDZzPKLA
During our research, we also found a reply from the official X account of Northern Railway on a similar viral post. In its response, Northern Railway clarified that the train visible in the viral video was not a hydrogen train. The railway authority stated that the video was old and confirmed that hydrogen train services are operating safely and as per their scheduled timetable.
Conclusion:
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found that the claim linking the viral video to stone-pelting on India’s first hydrogen train during the CJP protest is false. The viral video is from Bihar, where candidates appearing for the Bihar Police Prohibition Department examination protested over train delays, resulting in clashes and stone-pelting at a railway station. The video has been falsely linked to the CJP protest and hydrogen train.
Executive Summary
A video is being shared on social media with the claim that it shows drone attacks on border posts and an oil platform in Kuwait, during which a worker was injured. The video begins with flames and thick smoke rising from what appears to be a compound-like area. A high metal fence and concrete barriers can be seen in front of the premises. On the left side of the video, flags resembling the national flag of Kuwait are visible. The video then shows a structure resembling an offshore oil platform located in the middle of the sea, from where smoke and flames can be seen emerging. In the final part, some personnel wearing military uniforms are seen standing near military vehicles, with a communication tower visible in the background. The video is being circulated with the claim that Kuwait’s border checkpoints and an oil platform were targeted in drone attacks. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the viral claim to be false. Our research revealed that Kuwait had reported drone attacks on three northern border land centres and an offshore drilling platform linked to Kuwait Oil Company, in which one employee was reportedly injured. However, the video being circulated on social media is not related to those incidents. The video has been created using artificial intelligence (AI) and is being shared with a false claim.
Claim:
An Instagram user shared the viral video on July 18, 2026, claiming that it showed drone attacks on border posts and an oil platform in Kuwait. The link, archive link and screenshot of the post are provided below.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Da5di-cTw46/
Fact Check:
To verify the authenticity of the viral claim, we conducted a Google search using relevant keywords. During our research, we did not find any credible news reports or authentic sources linking the viral video to the reported drone attacks in Kuwait.
https://x.com/KuwaitArmyGHQ/status/2076345395802710160?s=20
However, we found a statement issued by the Kuwait Army on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on July 12, 2026. According to Statement No. 70, three northern border land centres in Kuwait and an offshore drilling platform associated with Kuwait Oil Company were targeted in drone attacks. The statement also mentioned that one employee was injured in the incident. The Kuwait Army’s X post link and screenshot are provided below.
We further examined the video using another AI detection tool, DetectVideo AI, which suggested that the video had a 62% probability of being AI-generated.
For additional verification, we scanned the video through AI or Not. The tool indicated that the video was 90% likely to be AI-generated.
At the final stage of our research, we analysed the video using Sightengine, which also suggested that the video was 99% likely to be AI-generated.
Conclusion:
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found that the viral video is not real footage of drone attacks in Kuwait. The AI-generated video is being falsely linked to the reported drone attacks on three northern border land centres and an offshore drilling platform associated with Kuwait Oil Company. The claim being made with the video is therefore false and misleading.
Executive Summary
A video showing flames and thick smoke rising over a densely populated city at night is being widely circulated on social media. The video is being shared with the claim that it shows the actual visuals of explosions and destruction caused by an attack on Iran. CyberPeace Research Wing ’s research found the viral claim to be false. Our research revealed that the video is not real footage but an AI-generated video, which is being circulated with a false claim.
Claim
A user on social media platform Instagram shared the viral video on July 17, 2026, claiming that it shows the real visuals of an attack on Iran and the massive explosions caused by it.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Da1_gaXyyoP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Fact Check
To verify the authenticity of the viral claim, we extracted multiple keyframes from the video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the research, we did not find any credible news report, verified video, or authentic source confirming that the footage was related to any attack on Iran. To further examine the authenticity of the video, we analysed it using multiple AI detection tools. First, we scanned the video using Hive Moderation. The tool’s analysis indicated that the video had a 94.9% probability of being AI-generated, suggesting that the footage may have been created using Artificial Intelligence.
For additional verification, we analysed the video using DetectVideo AI. The tool also indicated that the video was likely AI-generated, with an estimated 80% probability.
We further checked the video using another AI detection tool, AI or Not, which suggested that the footage had a 64% probability of being AI-generated.
At the final stage of verification, we used WasIt.AI, which also indicated that the video was likely AI-generated, with an 88% probability.
Conclusion
CyberPeace Research Wing ’s research found that the viral video does not show real footage of an attack on Iran.The video was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and is being falsely shared as authentic visuals of explosions and destruction caused by an attack on Iran. Users are advised to verify such sensational claims before sharing them online.
Executive Summary
A video of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay is being widely circulated on social media with the claim that he reached Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and participated in an ongoing protest. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the viral claim to be misleading. During the research, we found an official clarification issued by the Delhi Police, which clearly refuted the claim and stated that the video was being shared with a false context.
Claim
A user on social media platform Instagram shared the viral video claiming that Thalapathy Vijay had reached Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and joined a protest there.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/Da-tsmSpC-V/
https://archive.ph/submit/?url
https://www.instagram.com/reels/Da-tsmSpC-V/
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted multiple keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the research, we found a similar image posted on Instagram on May 5, 2026, which contained visuals matching the viral video. The post did not mention any connection with a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DX8cmt6oqP9/
Further research revealed that the first major on-ground protest of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was organised at Jantar Mantar on June 6, 2026. This confirms that the viral video, which is being linked to the CJP protest, is being shared with an incorrect context.
During further verification, we found a report published by BBC Tamil on May 4, 2026, which carried visuals similar to the viral video. https://www.bbc.com/tamil/articles/c202nd32v5ro
According to the BBC report, TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) leader Vijay won from the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East assembly constituencies during the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The visuals in the viral video are related to Vijay’s political activities in Tamil Nadu and are not from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Additionally, the Delhi Police issued an official clarification stating that the claim linking the video to Jantar Mantar was false.
https://x.com/DCPNewDelhi/status/2078932755023577234?s=20
Conclusion
CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found that the viral video of Thalapathy Vijay is not from a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The video is being circulated with a false and misleading claim. The Delhi Police has also officially denied the claim. Users are advised not to share such misleading content without verification.
Executive Summary
A claim is being widely circulated on social media alleging that more than 20,000 Sikh and Muslim personnel have resigned from the Indian Army.The viral graphic further attributes a statement to Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, claiming that the resignations were triggered by Indian media allegedly blaming Muslims and Sikhs for the Delhi riots. The graphic also includes the alleged remark that “Bhagwakaran (saffronisation) has destroyed us.” Several social media users are sharing the claim as genuine. CyberPeace Rresearch Wing ’s research found the viral claim to be false. Our research revealed that there is no credible evidence to support the allegation that more than 20,000 Sikh and Muslim soldiers resigned from the Indian Army. We found no official statement from the Indian Army or the Ministry of Defence confirming such resignations. Additionally, the statement attributed to Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has been fabricated and does not appear in his original speech. The viral claim is therefore misleading and based on false information.
Claim
An X user shared the viral graphic with the caption, “Under the guise of ‘Bhagwakaran’ (saffronisation), RSS has wanted a Hindu Rashtra for 100 years. Since 2014, the process of ‘Hindu purification’ has begun. Agniveer recruitment is being filled with RSS-BJP supporters. Twenty thousand Sikh and Muslim soldiers have resigned from the Indian Army, creating job opportunities for RSS and BJP supporters.”
Post Link:
https://x.com/RatnakarGedam/status/2078659496801661426?s=20
https://archive.ph/submit/?url
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted keyword-based searches on Google using terms related to the alleged resignation of 20,000 Sikh and Muslim soldiers from the Indian Army. Our search found no credible news reports supporting the claim. We also found no official statement from the Indian Army or the Ministry of Defence confirming that such resignations had taken place. During the research , we located the original video of General Upendra Dwivedi, published by the news agency IANS. In the video, the Army Chief is addressing the Delhi Defence Dialogue, where he discusses modern warfare, emerging military technologies, future security challenges, and land warfare strategy.
His remarks are entirely focused on defence preparedness, technological advancements, and strategic military issues. At no point does he mention the resignation of 20,000 Sikh or Muslim soldiers, the Delhi riots, or any of the claims circulating on social media.
https://x.com/ians_india/status/1988566879053693282?s=20
The viral quote attributed to General Dwivedi does not appear anywhere in his speech and has been fabricated.
Conclusion
Our research found that the claim alleging 20,000 Sikh and Muslim soldiers resigned from the Indian Army is false.There is no credible evidence that such mass resignations took place, and General Upendra Dwivedi never made the statement attributed to him in the viral posts. The claim is based on a fabricated quote and is being circulated to mislead the public.
Executive Summary
As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate in West Asia, a video showing a massive fire engulfing an industrial facility is being widely circulated on social media. Several users claim that the footage shows the aftermath of a recent U.S. strike on Iran. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false. Our research revealed that the viral video is not related to the current U.S.-Iran conflict. It actually shows a 2022 attack on Saudi Arabia's Aramco petroleum distribution facility in Jeddah, carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels.
Claim
An X user shared the viral video on July 16, 2026, claiming that it shows a recent American attack on Iran. https://x.com/SonOfBharat7/status/2077823734069826027 , https://perma.cc/RPA9-YZ3C
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the research, we found that the same video had been uploaded by Reuters on March 26, 2022. According to Reuters, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Arabia's energy facilities. Reuters reported that the Saudi-led coalition confirmed an attack on Saudi Aramco's petroleum products distribution station in Jeddah, where two storage tanks caught fire. The incident caused significant damage but no casualties were reported. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CAxj5tgZ_w
For further verification, we found another video of the same incident uploaded by the Qatar Day Facebook page on March 25, 2022, showing the fire from a different angle. According to the post, a massive blaze broke out at an oil depot in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after Yemen's Houthi rebels launched multiple drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure. Thick black smoke could be seen rising over the city.
Additionally, The Sun also uploaded the same footage on March 26, 2022, identifying it as the attack on Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFj5nDL0y7o
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral video does not show a recent U.S. attack on Iran.Although the United States and Iran have recently exchanged military strikes and attacks on civilian infrastructure have been reported, the viral footage predates the current conflict by several years. It actually shows the March 2022 Houthi attack on Saudi Aramco's petroleum distribution facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the claim linking the video to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict is false and misleading.
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Executive Summary
A 20-second video showing skyscrapers submerged in water is being widely circulated on social media with the claim that it depicts the flood situation in Surat, Gujarat. The video is also being used by some users to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many social media users are sharing the clip as authentic footage of flooding in Surat. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the viral claim to be false. Our research revealed that the video is AI-generated and has no connection with Surat. While it is true that heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Surat and nearby districts in early July 2026, the viral video does not show any real scenes from the city.
Claim
Facebook user ‘Amresh Kumar’ shared the viral video on July 16, 2026, with the caption, “Thirty years of the Modi-BJP government. Drone footage of Gujarat Model – Surat city.”
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2440459239767277
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first conducted a keyword search using terms related to flooding in Surat during July 2026. Our search confirmed that Surat experienced heavy rainfall during the first week of July, resulting in waterlogging and disruption in several low-lying areas. According to a report published by Bhaskar.com on July 8, 2026, intense rainfall led to flooding in several parts of Surat, and a few deaths due to electrocution were also reported.
However, none of the credible reports or images from the actual flooding resembled the scenes shown in the viral video. To further investigate, we analysed the video using multiple AI detection tools.We first scanned the video using Hive Moderation, which indicated a 99.9% probability that the footage was generated using Artificial Intelligence.
For additional verification, we examined the clip using another AI detection platform, WasItAI, which also concluded that the video had been created using AI. The analysis from multiple tools strongly suggests that the viral footage is digitally generated and does not represent a real event.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral video being shared as drone footage of flooding in Surat is fake. Although Surat experienced heavy rainfall and flooding in early July 2026, the video circulating on social media is AI-generated and has no connection with the actual situation in the city. The clip is being falsely shared to spread misleading information.
Executive Summary
A video of an Indian Army officer leaving a meeting alongside a police official is being widely circulated on social media. Some users are sharing the clip with the claim that the officer walked out of a meeting after the government refused to provide funding for security preparations related to Pakistan and China. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the viral claim to be false. Our research revealed that the video is not related to any dispute over defence funding. It actually shows a press conference held in Patiala in March 2025 regarding an attack on an Indian Army Colonel. During the press conference, the Army officer demanded a transparent, time-bound, fair and impartial research, while the police official provided details about the action taken in the case.
Claim
Facebook user ‘Salman Pathan’ shared the video on July 15, 2026, with the claim: “After the government refused funding for security arrangements/preparations related to Pakistan and China, an Indian Army officer left the meeting.” The post further questioned the government over alleged priorities in spending public money.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/3995874277215044
https://perma.cc/JL7A-2A6B?type=standard
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the research, we found that the same video was uploaded on March 25, 2025, by X user ‘Man Aman Singh Chhina’. The post stated:
“Chief of Staff of Western Command Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa left along with senior officers after reading a statement on the Patiala Colonel case without answering any questions. The DGP also read his statement and left, but at least he answered media questions.”
https://x.com/manaman_chhina/status/1904492655720988850?s=20
Further research revealed that the Government of Punjab’s official YouTube channel had uploaded the video of the same press conference on March 25, 2025. At the end of the press conference, when the Army and police officials leave the venue, the same question from journalists that appears in the viral clip can be heard.
https://www.youtube.com/live/7i3Nxc6vTpU
According to a report published by Amar Ujala on July 16, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, dissatisfied with the research conducted by the Chandigarh Police SIT, transferred the case to the Central Bureau of research (CBI).
Conclusion
Our research found that an old and unrelated video from March 2025 is being falsely circulated with the claim that an Army officer left a meeting after the government refused funding for security preparations related to Pakistan and China. The viral video actually relates to a press conference regarding the attack on Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath in Patiala and has no connection with any defence funding issue. The viral claim is therefore false and misleading.
