Navigating the Path to CyberPeace: Insights and Strategies
Featured #factCheck Blogs
Executive Summary
Social media users are claiming that Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth dances with soldiers’ wives and attended a dance competition organised by the Border Security Force Wives Welfare Association (BWWA). CyberPeace Research found no credible sources to substantiate the viral claim. Our research revealed that the viral image is related to his visit to Nepal. According to reports, he travelled to Nepal on his first foreign visit after taking charge of the Indian Army, where he was welcomed by senior Nepal Army officials. During the visit, he was also scheduled to receive the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army. However, his photograph is being linked to a dance video from an event organised by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), accompanied by objectionable claims about him. Our research found no credible evidence confirming that General Dhiraj Seth attended the event or was associated with the activities shown in the video. Therefore, linking his photograph from the Nepal visit to the dance video is misleading.
Claim:
It is being claimed on social media that Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth attended a dance competition organised by the BSF Wives Welfare Association (BWWA), where he was impressed by a woman’s dance performance and asked other participants to follow her lead.
https://x.com/ThokaReturns/status/2110854323760693485
Fact Check
To verify the viral claim, we conducted a reverse image search using keyframes from the video. During this process, we found the video on Instagram. The text “BSF Wives Welfare Association” was visible on the backdrop behind the stage. However, there was no mention of Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth anywhere in the video.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/Ddl7oTEgnf7/
After reviewing these videos, our research found no evidence to substantiate the claim that General Dhiraj Seth attended an event organised by the BSF Wives Welfare Association or danced at the event. His photograph is being linked to the dance video, but no credible evidence supporting this claim was found.
During our research, we found the original video of Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth shared by ANI. According to the report, General Dhiraj Seth arrived in Nepal on a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening defence ties between the two countries.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DcGxzLPExR5/
In the final stage of our research, we found a report on an Instagram account named ‘nepalinlast24hours’. According to the report, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth arrived in Kathmandu on his first foreign visit after taking command of the Indian Army on June 30, 2026. He was welcomed by senior Nepal Army officials at Tribhuvan International Airport.
The report stated that during his four-day visit, General Seth was scheduled to meet Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Nepal Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel. Additionally, he was scheduled to be conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army at a special ceremony at Sheetal Niwas on Monday.This tradition between India and Nepal dates back to 1950. Under the arrangement, the army chiefs of both countries are conferred with honorary military ranks in each other’s armies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DcGbgm0jUBH/?dlrf=MXFndzM5dGp4ZTh5OA%3D%3D
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral photograph of Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth is related to his visit to Nepal. According to reports, he travelled to Nepal on his first foreign visit after taking command of the Indian Army, where he was welcomed by senior Nepal Army officials. During the visit, he was also scheduled to be conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army.However, his photograph is being linked on social media to a dance video from an event organised by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), accompanied by objectionable claims about him. Our research found no credible evidence confirming General Dhiraj Seth’s presence at the event or his association with the activities shown in the video. Therefore, linking his photograph from his Nepal visit to the dance video is misleading.
Executive Summary
A video is being shared on social media with the claim that a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader is doing sit-ups in front of the public. Some users are sharing the video as a recent incident, claiming that a BJP MLA performed sit-ups in front of the public. CyberPeace Research found the claim to be misleading. Our research revealed that the viral video is not recent but dates back to February 2022, when Bhupesh Chaubey, the BJP MLA from the Robertsganj Assembly constituency in Sonbhadra, apologised to disgruntled party workers during a party workers' convention.
Claim:
A user on Facebook shared the viral image on October 11, 2026, with the caption: “This is the bond submitted by coward Abhijeet Dipke in court for his release, and he says he will take to the streets again.” The link to the post, its archive link, and a screenshot are provided below.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1806020163922780
Fact Check
We conducted a reverse image search using keyframes from the viral video. During the search, we found a report published on the Dainik Bhaskar website on February 23, 2022, which featured the same video. According to the report, polling in Sonbhadra was scheduled for March 7 as part of the seventh phase of the Assembly elections. During the election campaign, Bhupesh Chaubey, the BJP MLA and candidate from the Robertsganj Assembly constituency, was seen adopting an unusual approach. He stood on a chair, held his ears and performed sit-ups on the chair, apologising to the public for the mistakes he had made over the previous five years.The link to the report and a screenshot are provided below.
In the next stage of our research, we found a report published on ABP News’ Hindi website on February 25, 2022, which featured the viral video in a general context. We found the same video in this report as well. The link to the report and a screenshot are provided below.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral video is not recent but dates back to February 2022, when Bhupesh Chaubey, the BJP MLA from the Robertsganj Assembly constituency in Sonbhadra, apologised to disgruntled party workers during a party workers' convention.
Executive Summary
Amid ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities, a video is being widely circulated on social media platforms claiming that a female football fan became the centre of attraction during a match due to her striking beauty. The clip is being shared with the caption “Beauty in Black,” suggesting that beauty transcends colour and became the highlight of the stadium crowd. CyberPeace Research Wing research, however, found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is AI-generated and does not depict any real incident from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Claim:
Social media user Bal Mukund Joshi shared the video on X on June 14, 2026, claiming that a beautiful woman captured everyone’s attention inside a World Cup stadium. The post has been widely circulated across platforms.
https://x.com/balmukundjoshi/status/2066033100208095452?s=20
Fact Check:
A close visual analysis of the clip revealed inconsistencies, including a mismatch in skin tone between different frames, raising suspicion of digital manipulation or AI generation. The video was further examined using multiple AI detection tools. Google’s SynthID analysis indicated no direct trace of Google AI generation, but Gemini’s assessment highlighted anomalies suggesting possible AI or heavy digital editing, particularly in facial features and skin texture. The video was then analysed using Hive Moderation, which indicated a 100% probability of the content being AI-generated.
Additionally, frame-by-frame analysis using Vera AI Detector showed a high likelihood (92%) of AI-generated visuals. The research also revealed that the video originates from an Instagram-based virtual influencer account that shares AI-created content.
Conclusion:
The viral video claiming that a female fan became the centre of attention during a FIFA World Cup 2026 match is not real. The clip is AI-generated and originates from a virtual influencer account on Instagram, shared with a misleading narrative.
Executive Summary
Amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers, a video showing a vessel engulfed in flames and thick black smoke is being widely circulated on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that it depicts a US attack on a ship carrying Indian nationals in Omani waters. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video predates the incident it is being linked to and is not related to any recent attack.
Claim:
A Facebook user shared the video alleging that the United States attacked a ship carrying Indian citizens in the maritime region near Oman. The post has been widely circulated as part of the ongoing West Asia tensions. Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3031094270427837, https://www.facebook.com/reel/3031094270427837
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led to several media reports published on 2 March 2026, which carried the same visuals seen in the circulating clip. The reports indicated that the footage showed a vessel targeted amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following restrictions on maritime movement in the region. https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-targets-6th-ship-in-hormuz-strait-video-shows-billowing-smoke-11159019
Further research also found the same visuals in a Moneycontrol report published on 2 March 2026. The report clearly established that the footage is from an earlier incident and not linked to any recent developments. https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/indian-crew-member-killed-after-drone-boat-strikes-oil-tanker-off-oman-coast-first-indian-casualty-in-us-iran-tensions-article-13848303.html
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral video is not related to any recent US attack on a vessel carrying Indian nationals. The footage has been online since at least March 2026 and shows an earlier incident involving the oil tanker Skylight during tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Hence, the claim being circulated on social media is misleading.
Executive Summary
A video circulating on social media is being shared with the claim that the Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Bangladeshi national who was attempting to infiltrate India through the Tripura border. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is not related to any recent incident on the Tripura border. It actually shows Haris Nazir Dar, a militant who was killed during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district last year.
Claim:
The viral clip, which is around eight seconds long, shows a body lying on the ground. It is being shared on X with captions suggesting that the deceased was a Bangladeshi infiltrator who was killed while attempting to cross the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura.
https://x.com/ocjain4/status/2066210317265457298
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. During the research, we found matching visuals in a report published by Dainik Bhaskar on August 2, 2025. The report was related to an encounter between security forces and militants in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. Visuals in the report matched those seen in the viral video.
We also found a report published by India Today on August 2, 2025, which carried photographs of slain militant Haris Nazir Dar taken from a different angle. The report stated that security forces had killed three militants during the operation in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gunfight-underway-with-3-lashkar-terrorists-in-jks-kulgam-2764971-2025-08-01
Conclusion:
The evidence gathered during our research makes it clear that the viral video does not show a Bangladeshi infiltrator killed at the Tripura border. The footage is actually from a security operation in Jammu and Kashmir and shows Haris Nazir Dar, a militant who was killed in an encounter in Kulgam last year.
Executive Summary
Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, a video showing a fighter jet launching a missile at a massive dam, followed by its collapse and widespread flooding, is being widely shared on social media. Users are claiming that the video depicts a recent Israeli airstrike on a petrochemical plant located along Iran’s Karun River. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the viral claim is false. The video is not related to any real-world incident and has been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Claim:
An Instagram user shared the viral video with a caption claiming that Israel carried out an airstrike on a petrochemical complex along Iran’s Karun River. The post further suggested that the facility is a key industrial site and that the attack caused widespread panic in the region. Post link:
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZhNuiRx_v1/
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZhNuiRx_v1/
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of keyframes from the video led to its appearance on a Facebook page named Warfare NextGen. The page clearly described the footage as “dramatic content,” indicating that it is not a real incident.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1027249019882257
A closer analysis of the visuals also revealed several inconsistencies that raise doubts about its authenticity. To further verify the video, it was analyzed using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation, which indicated a 99.4% probability that the content is AI-generated.
Additionally, a separate analysis using SIGHTENGINE also classified the video as approximately 99% AI-generated.
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral video is not a real incident. It has been created using artificial intelligence and is being falsely shared as a depiction of an Israeli strike on a petrochemical plant along Iran’s Karun River.
Executive Summary
A video showing a massive fire with thick black smoke is being widely shared on social media with the claim that it depicts a recent Israeli attack on Iran. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the claim is false. The viral video is not related to Iran or any Israel-Iran conflict. It actually shows a gas pipeline fire in Kizilyurt city of Russia’s Dagestan region.
Claim:
A video circulating on X shows a large fire breaking out at a location with thick black smoke rising. The clip is being shared with a caption claiming, “Israel has carried out more than 500 surgical strikes on Iran in the last 24 hours.” Post link: https://x.com/ocjain4/status/2064700017361985702, https://x.com/ocjain4/status/2064700017361985702
Fact Check:
A reverse image search using keyframes from the viral video led to visuals published in a report on a Dagestan-based media outlet dated June 9. The report stated that the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry’s Dagestan department received reports of three explosions at a methane gas station.
https://riadagestan.ru/news/incidents/v_dagestane_vzorvalas_azs
Further research found that several Russian media outlets also published the same visuals on June 9, describing them as a pipeline explosion and fire in Kizilyurt, Dagestan
We also found a report published by DW on June 9, 2026, which stated that three explosions occurred on the Mozdok–Kazimagomed gas pipeline in Kizilyurt, Dagestan, resulting in a massive fire with flames rising up to 15 meters. According to local authorities, no casualties or injuries were reported..
https://www.dw.com/ru/na-gazoprovode-v-dagestane-progremeli-tri-vzryva-voznik-pozar/a-77481599
Conclusion:
The research clearly shows that the viral video is unrelated to the Israel-Iran conflict. It actually depicts a gas pipeline fire in Russia’s Dagestan region, which has been falsely shared as a recent Israeli strike on Iran.
Executive Summary
Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and concerns over the safety of commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members, a purported ABP News video clip has been circulating on social media. The clip, along with an accompanying image, claims that in response to alleged US attacks on ships carrying Indian citizens, the Indian government removed security arrangements outside the US Embassy in New Delhi and withdrew identity cards issued to American diplomats. The viral post also includes an image showing a JCB machine near the US Embassy, which users are sharing as alleged evidence of recent government action against the United States CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The probe revealed that both the video clip and the image are not recent and are in fact related to events from 2013, during the diplomatic tensions following the arrest of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade.
Claim:
On X (formerly Twitter), a user shared the viral clip alleging that India strongly condemned the US over reported attacks on a vessel carrying Indian citizens and, in response, removed security from the US Embassy in New Delhi and revoked identity cards issued to American diplomats.
https://x.com/aadil_husssain2/status/2065184188157043053
https://ghostarchive.org/archive/A5Py5
Fact Check
A keyword search related to the alleged removal of security outside the US Embassy did not yield any recent credible reports supporting the claim. We also observed that the ABP News logo visible in the viral clip is an older version that is no longer in use, raising further doubts about its authenticity and timeline. To verify the footage, we checked ABP News’ official YouTube channel and found a report dated December 17, 2013. The report stated that Delhi Police had removed security barricades outside the US Embassy in New Delhi following diplomatic tensions between India and the United States over the arrest and treatment of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York. The visuals in the 2013 report closely match multiple segments seen in the viral clip. The footage originally aired as part of ABP News’ “Fatafat” bulletin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrm_UcL1zOk&t=139s
Further search also led to a PTI-reported article published by Times of India on December 17, 2013. According to the report, barricades outside the US Embassy were removed as part of India’s response to the Khobragade incident. The report also mentioned that India had sought the return of identity cards issued to American consular officials and rolled back certain diplomatic privileges.
The image being shared alongside the claim, showing a JCB machine near the US Embassy, is also old. Getty Images carries photographs dated December 17, 2013 showing barricades being removed outside the US Embassy in New Delhi during the same diplomatic episode.
Conclusion:
The research clearly establishes that both the viral video clip and the accompanying image are not recent. These visuals are from 2013 and are linked to diplomatic developments following the Devyani Khobragade case. The claim linking them to recent events involving US Embassy security arrangements is misleading.
Executive Summary
Following a recent protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, members of the self-styled “Cockroach Janata Party” also staged a demonstration in Pune, Maharashtra, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Amid this backdrop, a photograph has gone viral on social media purportedly showing the party’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, posing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CyberPeace Research Wing research found that the image is not genuine. The photograph has been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and does not depict a real meeting between the two individuals.
Claim
An X user, “subhash Kumar sharma,” shared the viral image on June 8, 2026, with the caption: “This is the real face of the Cockroach... the rest you all understand. They were begging for Pradhan’s resignation at Jantar Mantar… did they get it or not?” The archived and original links to the post can be seen below:
https://x.com/sharmass27/status/2063691212662686102?s=20
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a reverse image search using Google. However, we did not find any credible news reports related to the viral photograph. We also searched using relevant keywords, but no reliable information supporting the claim was found. We then examined the official X account of Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the “Cockroach Janata Party.” No post, photograph, or information related to any meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was found on his account.
https://x.com/abhijeet_dipke?lang=en
The absence of any credible evidence led us to suspect that the image may have been generated using AI. To further verify its authenticity, we analyzed the image using AI-detection tools. The first tool, Hive Moderation, indicated a nearly 99 percent probability that the image was AI-generated. The analysis also suggested signs consistent with content produced by generative AI models.
We then examined the image using another AI-detection platform, Sightengine. Its analysis likewise indicated a 99 percent likelihood that the image was AI-generated and showed characteristics commonly associated with AI-created visuals.
Conclusion
Our research found that the claim accompanying the viral image is false. The photograph purportedly showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke is not real. The image has been generated using Artificial Intelligence and does not represent an actual meeting or event.
Executive Summary
A picture of grenade-style pens is being circulated on social media with the claim that they are actually small bombs responsible for explosions in Gujarat. Users are being warned not to pick up any object resembling the pen, with posts alleging that similar devices are causing blasts in different parts of the state. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be completely false. The viral image shows a novelty military-style pen, not an explosive device. The same product is listed on the American e-commerce platform Etsy, where it is described as a military tank or grenade-style ink pen that uses refillable ink cartridges.
Claim
The viral image shows five grenade-shaped pens. It is being shared with a caption claiming: “Do not pick up anything that looks like this pen. If you find one lying somewhere, do not touch it. It is a small bomb, and incidents like this are happening wherever such pens are found in Gujarat.”The post also includes photographs of injured individuals to reinforce the claim.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/273456550609813/posts/1721798935775560/
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first searched for relevant news reports using English and Gujarati keywords. However, we found no credible media reports linking grenade-shaped pens to any explosions in Gujarat. During the search, we came across reports mentioning that certain Khalistani groups had allegedly sent emails threatening blasts in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. However, none of those reports mentioned grenade-style pens or any similar explosive devices.
We also checked whether Gujarat Police had issued any warning, advisory, or public notice regarding such objects. However, no such advisory was found on any official Gujarat Police social media handle or public platform.
Next, we conducted a reverse image search of the viral photograph. The search led us to a listing on the American e-commerce website Etsy, where the product is described as a “Military Novelty Tank or Grenade Ink Pen.”
https://www.etsy.com/listing/889188479/military-novelty-tank-or-grenade-ink
The product description indicates that it is a novelty writing instrument that uses refillable ink cartridges and is intended purely as a decorative or novelty item. We also reviewed Etsy’s prohibited items policy. According to the platform, weapons, explosives, and other dangerous items are not permitted to be sold on the website.
https://www.etsy.com/legal/prohibited/
Additionally, we attempted to contact Michael Dobbs, associated with the product listing, for clarification. This report will be updated if a response is received.
Conclusion
The evidence gathered during our research clearly shows that the claim is false. The viral image does not depict a bomb but a novelty grenade-style ink pen sold online. There is no evidence that such pens are causing explosions in Gujarat, and the claim being circulated on social media is entirely misleading.
Executive Summary
A post is being widely circulated on social media claiming that paper currency will be discontinued in the country from June 30 and replaced with new plastic notes. The claim is being shared along with an audio clip purportedly featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning people that paper notes will no longer be valid after June 30 and that new plastic currency will be introduced in the market.CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. The viral post about discontinuation of paper currency from June 30 is baseless, and the audio attributed to the Prime Minister has been generated using artificial intelligence.
Claim:
An X (formerly Twitter) user shared the viral post claiming that paper currency will be completely withdrawn from circulation in India from June 30 and replaced with plastic notes. The post includes an audio clip allegedly featuring PM Modi.
Post link and archive link can be seen below:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2172216560209848
Factcheck
To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword search online. During the research, we found a report published by NDTV on June 6, which stated that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is currently examining a proposal related to polymer-based (plastic) currency notes. The report clarified that the proposal is at a very preliminary stage and no final decision has been made. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank is evaluating the pros and cons of polymer notes and will inform the public once any decision is taken. The report does not mention any discontinuation of existing paper currency.
We also checked official sources, including the Prime Minister’s social media handles and the Reserve Bank of India website, but found no announcement or notification regarding the discontinuation of paper currency from June 30.
Since the claim included an audio clip attributed to PM Modi, we analyzed it using AI voice detection tools. The Undetectable AI tool identified the voice with 99% probability as AI-generated.
Conclusion:
The research clearly shows that the claim about discontinuation of paper currency from June 30 is baseless. The audio attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also AI-generated and does not represent any official statement.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media showing armed personnel attacking a helicopter. The video is being circulated with the claim that Iranian soldiers shot down a US military helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false. The viral video is AI-generated and is being shared with misleading context.
Claim:
An X (formerly Twitter) user shared the video on June 10, 2026, with the caption: “This is great cinema. Breaking News: Iran used a $150 weapon to bring down a $1 billion US military aircraft. For the first time, America has met its real enemy.”
Post link and archive link can be seen below:
https://x.com/TheIncNews/status/2064758088012607544?s=20
https://archive.ph/LUDUz
Fact-Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword search on Google. However, no credible media reports were found supporting this claim.
On closely examining the video, we suspected it to be AI-generated. We then analyzed it using the AI detection tool HIVE MODERATION. The results indicated that the video is 98% likely to be AI-generated.
In the next step, we further analyzed the video using another AI detection tool, SIGHTENGINE. The results showed a 99% probability of the video being AI-generated.
Conclusion:
Our research confirms that the viral video is AI-generated and does not depict any real-world incident. The content is being circulated with a misleading and false narrative, falsely linking it to ongoing geopolitical tensions, despite there being no credible evidence or verified reports supporting such a claim.
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media with the claim that it shows the aftermath of a recent Israeli attack on Iran. The footage shows multiple residential high-rise buildings engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky. Users sharing the video claim that Israel carried out more than 500 airstrikes on Iran. CyberPeace Research Wingresearch found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is not related to any Israeli attack on Iran. It actually shows a massive fire that broke out in a residential complex in Hong Kong in November 2025.
Claim:
An X user shared the viral video and wrote, “Israel has carried out more than 500 surgical strikes on Iran in the last 24 hours. Enjoying it thoroughly. Keep it up.”
Post link, archive link and screenshot can be seen below:
https://x.com/ocjain4/status/2064715707997413618?s=20
Fact Check:
To verify the authenticity of the viral video, we extracted keyframes and conducted a Google Lens search. During the research, we found the same footage on Reuters’ website, where it had been published on November 26, 2025.
Report link and screenshot can be seen below:
https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idRW511126112025RP1/
According to Reuters, the video shows a massive fire that engulfed multiple high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district. The blaze claimed the lives of at least four people. Thick smoke could be seen billowing from the buildings as firefighters and emergency response teams worked to bring the fire under control.
After establishing the source of the video, we conducted a keyword search on Google and found a report published by NDTV on November 27, 2025, which also covered the incident.
Report link and screenshot can be seen below:
Conclusion:
Our research found that the viral video is not related to any Israeli attack on Iran. The footage actually shows a massive fire that broke out in residential buildings in Hong Kong in November 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed condolences to the victims, including a firefighter who lost his life while on duty.
Executive Summary
Last September, protests were held in Ladakh over several demands, including full statehood, extension of Sixth Schedule protections, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and reservation in jobs. During that period, some demonstrations turned violent. Since then, talks between stakeholders and the government have continued regarding these demands. Amid this backdrop, Pakistani propaganda handles on social media are sharing a video of a protest and claiming that violent demonstrations have erupted in Ladakh following the arrest of education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The claim regarding Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest is false, while the viral video is actually from protests that took place in September last year.
Claim:
Sharing the video, a user wrote: “Massive protests in Ladakh. Violent demonstrations have erupted after reports of the arrest of Ladakh’s revolutionary leader Sonam Wangchuk. The people of Ladakh seek justice and freedom from the Indian Army, which is attacking civilians.”
https://x.com/ZardSi/status/2064204063248695393?s=20
Fact Check:
Our research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is from protests held in September last year, and the claim that Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested is also false. We first converted the video into keyframes and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to several videos and news reports covering the same incident. The viral footage was found in a news report uploaded on September 24, 2025, by Asianet News English on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/@asianetnewsenglish
According to the information provided with the video, large-scale protests took place in Leh in support of demands for Sixth Schedule status and full statehood for Ladakh. The movement turned violent following clashes with police, and protesters allegedly set fire to a BJP office in Leh. CRPF personnel and local police later detained several protesters, bringing the situation under control. We also found a report published by Arunachal24, which stated that at least four people were killed and more than 70 injured in violent clashes between protesters demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh and security forces. The report further mentioned that protesters set fire to a local BJP office and a CRPF vehicle, following which authorities imposed a strict curfew across Leh.
Our team also found that the claim about Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest is entirely false. Wangchuk remains active on social media and had posted an update on June 10, indicating that he had not been detained.
Conclusion:
The fact-check clearly shows that the viral claim is misleading. There is no evidence that Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested. The viral video is not recent and actually shows protests that took place in Ladakh in September 2025.
