Pakistan-based anti-India propaganda accounts have falsely claimed that at least seven Indian soldiers were killed and several others injured in a targeted terrorist attack in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir. However, these claims are entirely baseless and fabricated. According to official reports and Army sources, the incident involved a vehicle on duty that skidded off the road and fell into a gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility. The tragedy is unrelated to any targeted attack on the Indian Army.
Sharing the video on X (Formerly Twitter) serial fake news peddler and propagandist account @PSYWAROPS wrote. “Seven #Indian soldiers were killed and several injured in an ambush by Kạshmỉrỉ frẹẹdom fỉghtẹrs yesterday in Bandipora. Indian Illegally Occupied #Jammu and #Kashmir (#IIOJK).”
Another propaganda account @TacticalTribun also shared the image from the incident and wrote. “7 Indian soldiers killed, multiple injured after Kashmiri fighters have attacked Indian forces in Bandipora, IOK.”
The truth behind the claims about soldiers from Bandipora, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the image and claims came to our notice. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis regarding the incident. We found that these claims were false and self-invented.
To verify the claims made by propagandists. We performed relevant keyword searches and found multiple reports and Army sources regarding the incident. According to reports (1, 2), four soldiers lost their lives, and two were injured when a vehicle on duty in Bandipora district skidded off the road and fell into a gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility. Hence, this incident is unrelated to any targeted attack on the Indian Army.
Additionally, we found @ChinarcorpsIA’s statement regarding the incident. Chinar Corps stated, On 04 Jan 24, while performing duty in Bandipora District, a vehicle of Indian Army skid and fell into the gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility conditions. Injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for medical care with assistance from Kashmiri locals, for which we express gratitude towards the citizens in providing immediate succour. Tragically three bravehearts lost their lives in the unfortunate accident.
On 04 Jan 24, while performing duty in Bandipora District, a vehicle of Indian Army skid and fell into the gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility conditions.
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) January 4, 2025
Injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for medical care with assistance from Kashmiri locals, for which we… pic.twitter.com/JdSkKgQPjK
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that there was no terrorist attack. It was a road accident involving an Indian army vehicle.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) January 5, 2025
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: Pakistan-based anti-India propaganda accounts are spreading false claims that at least seven Indian soldiers were killed and several injured in a targeted terrorist attack in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/0um6nX5EAn
Intent
Propagandists are circulating misleading claims about the accident in Bandipora to set their narrative against India.
Conclusion
Claim– 7 Indian soldiers were killed, and multiple injured after militants attacked Indian forces in Bandipora.
Fact– Four soldiers lost their lives, and two were injured when a vehicle on duty in Bandipora district skidded off the road and fell into a gorge due to inclement weather and poor visibility.
Related Article: Fact Check: 14 Indian soldiers killed by rebels in Chhattisgarh? No, Pakistanis spread false propaganda – D-Intent Data
