A few days ago, a video surfaced online depicting an altercation among students at Dharm Samaj Inter College in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The video was accompanied by claims suggesting that the school management had bullied students who had written “Jai Shri Ram” on their hands and were wearing caps. Allegations were made that the religious slogan was erased and the caps were forcibly removed by the teachers and the principal, sparking communal tension. However, a closer look at the situation reveals a different story. In this backdrop of a brawl between students in Aligarh, accompanied by the circulation of communal claims targeting the school management.
Misleading Claims and Social Media Circulation:
The misleading video was shared primarily by accounts such as @Satyvee66321672 and @ds_raghav23622, and quickly gained traction on social media, with numerous shares and comments suggesting religious bias by the school management. Individuals alleged that the incident exemplified religious discrimination against the students and called for action against the college manager. Many misleading tweets propagated the narrative, contributing to the escalation of communal disharmony.
Police Investigation and Clarification:
Contrary to the circulated claims, Aligarh Police intervened and conducted an investigation into the incident. It was found that the dispute was not related to religious sentiments. Instead, the altercation arose from a disagreement between the students themselves. The police officer present at the scene confirmed that the situation was a brawl between the children. Necessary action was taken after a thorough examination of the matter. In response to the misleading tweets and false claims, Aligarh Police used their official Twitter account to urge the public not to spread unverified rumours. They emphasized the importance of factual verification before sharing information on social media. The police reiterated that the incident had been properly assessed, clarifying that it was a student conflict rather than an instance of religious discrimination.
Conclusion:
While it is crucial to acknowledge the growing concerns of religious bias and intolerance, especially the growing Hinduphobia, it is equally important to distinguish genuine incidents from misleading narratives. Spreading fake and misleading claims not only exacerbates communal tensions but also fuels misinformation propaganda. Following comprehensive analysis and meticulous fact-checking, our team has investigated the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below.
Claim: The video portrays religious bias and discrimination against students based on their religious affiliations. School management had bullied students who had written “Jai Shri Ram” on their hands and were wearing caps.
Fact: The police investigation established that the altercation was not driven by religious factors; it was a dispute among the students themselves.
In our pursuit of accurate and unbiased information, we’ve diligently fact-checked the claims surrounding the incident. Misinformation can sow discord and disrupt communal harmony. Your support matters greatly in our mission to foster an informed and united society. Together, let’s strive to make India and Indians proud, upholding truth and unity. Jai Hind.
