A shared image features two individuals cleaning a sewer system with the help of a high-tech sewer–cleaning robot, and it is being circulated with the claim that it originates from China, supposedly showcasing their technological advancements while India still practices manual scavenging. However, this claim is inaccurate. The image is actually from India and shows the country’s development of innovative sewer-cleaning robots designed to replace manual scavenging.
Sharing the image on X (Formerly Twitter) serial fake news peddler and propagandist account @ambedkariteIND wrote, “They’re all brown, they’re all Indian, Right now to this day, There is system in India where generations of people are forced to clean sewers with their hands, their shit with their hands, they are beneath the lowest of the hierarchy, they’re called Dalits…”. Later, he deleted the post.
The truth about the viral image of sewer cleaning robot, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the image and claims came to our attention. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis regarding the image. We found that both images were from India, not China.
To verify the claims made by propagandists. We performed a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to a media report containing the same visuals. According to the report, The image is actually from India and shows the country’s development of innovative sewer-cleaning robots designed to replace manual scavenging. These robots are part of India’s broader efforts to improve sanitation systems and eliminate hazardous manual sewer cleaning. Sources (1, 2)
Additionally, It is important to note that nobody has forced or asked these individuals to clean the sewer system. This is not a mandated task tied to their identity or social standing. In India, everyone has the right to pursue education and build a career in any sector. Moreover, individuals from marginalized communities are provided additional opportunities and benefits through reservation policies to ensure equal access to education and jobs.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the image of the sewer-cleaning robot was not from China. In reality, it was from India.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) January 23, 2025
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: A shared image features two individuals cleaning a sewer system with the help of a high-tech cleaning robot, and it is being circulated with the claim that it originates from China, supposedly showcasing their technological advancements (1/5) pic.twitter.com/94g4tm0DMt
Intent
Propaganda accounts are circulating images from India with misleading claims to set their narrative.
Conclusion
Claim– The image of a sewer-cleaning robot shows China’s technological advancements while India still practices manual scavenging.
Fact– The image of a sewer-cleaning robot was from India, not China.
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