In recent times, the spread of misinformation has become an alarming issue, especially on social media platforms. One such incident that gained significant attention was the #ManipurVideo, where a viral video showing a heinous crime had shaken the conscience of the nation. However, amidst the chaos, certain propaganda accounts emerged, disseminating misleading information about the arrest of the main accused. In this blog, we will delve into the incident, examine the misleading links shared by these accounts, and explore the fact-checking efforts of D-Intent to reveal the truth.
The Incident Unraveled:
As per credible reports, the #ManipurVideo incident involved an angry mob vandalizing the house of the main accused, Huirem Herodas Meitei. The Manipur police took swift action, arresting Huirem Herodas Meitei and three other accused in Thoubal District. However, misinformation propaganda accounts on Twitter began spreading a different narrative. They claimed that the prime accused, Abdul Khan, was the one arrested by the police. These accounts even went further to connect Abdul Khan’s arrest to the viral video, fueling religious tensions in an already sensitive situation.
One of the tweets shared by Tajinder Bagga claimed that Abdul Khan, the supposed prime accused, had been arrested in connection with the #ManipurVideo incident. Similarly, Rishi Bagree’s tweet echoed the same false claim, as did Anoop Verma’s tweet.
Even, according to Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_”), Abdul Hilim has been arrested by the Manipur Police in Manipur.
Fact-Checking Efforts by D-Intent:
D-Intent, a dedicated fact-checking organization, took it upon themselves to unravel the truth behind these misleading claims. They diligently analyzed the official statements released by the Manipur police regarding the arrests in the #ManipurVideo case.
The fact-checking process involved cross-referencing multiple sources and verifying the authenticity of the information. One of the tweets shared by the Manipur police contained an official statement confirming the arrest of Huirem Herodas Meitei, the actual main accused in the case. Another tweet by the Manipur police provided additional information confirming the arrest of the real perpetrators.
Unveiling the Truth:
After careful examination, D-Intent found that the claims made by the propaganda accounts were indeed false. The main accused, Huirem Herodas Meitei, was the one arrested in connection with the #ManipurVideo incident, not Abdul Khan. These misleading links circulated with the intention of creating religious strife and protecting the interests of certain political parties. Such actions not only sow discord but also erode the trust people have in reliable sources of information.
Conclusion:
The #ManipurVideo incident serves as a stark reminder of how misinformation can exploit vulnerable situations and sow seeds of discord within society. The efforts of fact-checking organizations like D-Intent play a crucial role in unearthing the truth and dispelling false narratives. As responsible users of social media, it is essential to verify information before sharing it further. By doing so, we can collectively combat the spread of fake news and uphold the integrity of information dissemination.
Also read- Spreading Misinformation: Manipur and Myanmar Videos Conflated to Target a Community