In the digital age, misinformation can spread rapidly, often leading to the distortion of facts and the propagation of false narratives. Recently, a concerning incident involving false claims of caste-based violence has emerged on social media platforms. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive account of the incident, examine the misleading tweets, highlight the fact-checking efforts conducted by D-Intent, and shed light on the true intent behind assault of Dalit the dissemination of this misinformation.
The Incident:
A news story started circulating on social media platforms, alleging that upper-caste individuals had brutally assaulted a Dalit man after he opposed the cutting of trees on his land. The false claims further stated that the man’s private part was cut off during the altercation. However, the police investigation revealed a different reality. The incident took place in Hasanpur village, located in the Thana Kotwali Dehat region of Etah, Uttar Pradesh. The scuffle arose due to a disagreement over the cutting of a Babool (Acacia) tree. The police clarified that there was no truth to the claim that the man’s private part had been slashed with a knife. Instead, a rupture in the foreskin occurred during the scuffle. The incident, devoid of any caste angle, is currently under investigation for its true context and motives.
Misleading Tweets:
Several Twitter accounts propagated the false claims, contributing to the spread of misinformation and inciting social unrest. Let’s examine some of these misleading tweets:
Tweet from @manishkumarttp:
@manishkumarttp shared the false news story, presenting it as a factual account of caste-based violenceby assault of Dalit. The tweet gained traction and attracted attention from users who were unaware of the true details of the incident.
Archived Tweet: link to archived tweet
Tweet from @The_Mooknayak:
@The_Mooknayak also shared the misleading narrative, further fueling the misinformation surrounding the incident. The tweet amplified the false claims, potentially inflaming tensions based on false information.
Archived Tweet: link to archived tweet
Tweet from @IAMCouncil:
@IAMCouncil’s tweet propagated the false claims, contributing to the dissemination of misinformation and potentially inciting anger and hostility. The tweet aimed to further their own caste-based hatred propaganda.
Archived Tweet: link to archived tweet
Fact-Checking Efforts by D-Intent:
Amidst the spreading misinformation, fact-checking organizations like D-Intent play a crucial role in debunking false claims and presenting accurate information. Here are the fact-checking efforts conducted in relation to this incident:
Response from @Etahpolice:
The official Twitter account of Etah Police, @Etahpolice, addressed the false claims circulating on social media. They clarified that the allegation of the man’s private part being cut off was incorrect and that the incident had no caste angle. The police further stated that a rupture in the foreskin occurred during the scuffle, and a thorough investigation is underway.
Archived Tweet: link to archived tweet
The Intent Behind the Incident:
The intent behind spreading this misinformation appears to be driven by individuals and accounts seeking to promote caste-based hatred propaganda. By circulating false claims, these accounts aim to fuel existing tensions and incite communal strife. It is crucial to recognize and combat such misinformation campaigns to ensure that accurate information prevails and social harmony is maintained.
Conclusion:
The incident assault of Dalit involving false claims of caste-based violence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by misinformation on social media platforms. This blog sought to present a detailed account of the incident, analyze the misleading tweets, highlight the fact-checking efforts conducted by D-Intent, and shed light on the true intent behind the dissemination of this misinformation. By remaining vigilant and verifying information, we can contribute to a more informed and responsible digital society.
Also read- Fabricated NYT Screenshot Circulates on Social Media, Misleading Users about Indian PM Narendra Modi
