A few days ago, a distressing video circulated, depicting a child tied to a pole, alleging a recent brutal beating in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, fueled by caste-based discrimination. However, this video had previously surfaced in August 2022, capturing an incident unrelated to caste, where a child was beaten for alleged theft.
The fake and misleading news was resurfaced by the Pro-Pakistani propaganda account, @SAHR_Watch.
The Actual Incident of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh
The sensitive video that has gained traction portrays a 14-year-old Dalit boy, bound to an electric pole, allegedly beaten by a local grocery store owner over accusations of theft, involving Rs 600. This incident occurred in the Kalan area of Shahjahanpur, leading to an FIR being filed under IPC sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 504 (intentional insult), along with the SC/ST Act. The accused, identified as Mukesh Kumar, the shop owner, was detained in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and investigations were promptly initiated. The boy, whose parents work as daily wage labourers, narrated the harrowing experience of being falsely accused and publicly humiliated.
The boy recounted visiting the store to buy groceries and returning home, only for the store owner to arrive shortly, accusing him of theft and subjecting him to physical assault and verbal abuse. He vehemently protested his innocence, but the shop owner proceeded to search and vandalize his home, ultimately leading to the boy being tied to a pole in the presence of onlookers. Disturbingly, the crowd joined in, mocking and assaulting him, labelling him a thief.
Police Action
The video, which went viral on social media, caused an uproar. Law enforcement promptly identified the incident’s date (22nd August) and location (village Barakala of Kalan area in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh) when the video surfaced (25th August). Immediate action was taken by the Kalan police, registering a case and investigating the matter. The accused was named, and assurances of his impending arrest were provided. Subsequently, the named accused was arrested, and legal proceedings were initiated.
प्रकरण मे थाना कलान पर अभियोग पंजीकृत किया गया, नामित अभियुक्त को गिरफ्तार कर नियमानुसार विधिक कार्यवाही की जा रही है।https://t.co/UkZjMUunDZ
— SHAHJAHANPUR POLICE (@shahjahanpurpol) August 26, 2022
Intent & Conclusion
Contrary to the misleading claims, this incident was neither recent nor driven by caste-based prejudice. Propagandists resurfaced this old video, manipulating the narrative to incite caste-based animosity in India and also to target and tarnish the image of Shahjahanpur and Uttar Pradesh administration, thus spreading misinformation and sowing discord.
It is essential to discern the facts behind viral videos and narratives, especially when they attempt to stir communal tensions or exploit sensitive issues. This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before drawing conclusions, ensuring a more accurate understanding of events and discouraging the spread of falsehoods. Following a precise analysis and fact-checking, our team has reviewed the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread below. Also for better clarity of the incident, read an article by www.livehindustan.com or by www.latestly.com.
1159
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) October 6, 2023
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: A sensitive video that shows a child tied to a pole with rope has been shared, claiming that a Dalit child was recently brutally beaten up and Casteist slurs were hurdled at him because of his caste in Shahjahanpur. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/UzyHKYTzul
Claim: A video shows a Dalit child beaten for his caste in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Fact: The video is from August 2022, depicting an altercation over theft, unrelated to caste-based discrimination.
Also Read: Did a mob storm into Manipur CM Biren’s ancestral home? Fact-Check
