In the age of social media, the circulation of misinformation has become a pressing issue, often leading to confusion and even harm. One such incident involves a misleading video that has recently resurfaced on social media platforms. The video depicts a woman holding a child and sitting on the railway couplings while a train accelerates, creating a dangerous situation. However, a closer investigation reveals that the video is not from India, as claimed, but rather from Bangladesh. In this blog post, we will explore the misleading tweets, the fact-checking conducted by D-Intent, and shed light on the underlying intent behind this incident.
Misleading Tweets and their Origins:
The video in question has garnered significant attention due to its alarming content. However, upon careful observation, it becomes evident that the train coach shown in the video features two white stripes on its lateral part below the windows, a characteristic of Bangladesh passenger train bogies. The video was originally uploaded on a Bangladesh-based media outlet’s YouTube channel back in 2016. Despite its age, the video continues to be circulated, leading to confusion and misinformation.
One of the earliest instances of the video being falsely attributed to India was in 2018 when a UK-based media outlet named “Daily Mail,” known for its controversial reporting, incorrectly reported that the incident occurred in Kaimur, Bihar. It is worth noting that the Daily Mail is currently banned in India due to its reputation for spreading misinformation.
Misleading Links:
Tweet by @Mishra__11: Link to Tweet Archived Version
Article by the Daily Mail: Link to Article
Fact-Checking by D-Intent:
To ascertain the authenticity and origin of the video, fact-checking initiatives such as D-Intent played a crucial role. By cross-referencing the details of the video, they discovered that the video had indeed been uploaded on a Bangladesh-based media outlet’s YouTube channel in 2016. This finding supports the conclusion that the incident occurred in Bangladesh, not India.
Fact-Checking Links:
YouTube Video from Bangladesh-based Media Outlet: Link to Video
Article by Jago News: Link to Article
India’s Ban on Daily Mail: Link to Article
Intent Behind the Incident:
The circulation of this misleading video, falsely claiming it to be from India, serves a malicious intent. Accounts involved in spreading misinformation and engaging in anti-India propaganda aim to target both the railway authorities and the government, tarnishing the image of the country. By creating a false narrative, these accounts seek to sow discord and manipulate public opinion, exploiting the power of social media to further their agenda.
Conclusion:
Misinformation continues to pose a significant challenge in today’s digitally connected world. The incident involving the misleading video falsely attributed to India highlights the need for critical thinking and fact-checking to combat the spread of misinformation woman with child on railway couplings. It is crucial for social media users to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it widely. By being diligent and responsible, we can collectively mitigate the adverse effects of misinformation and protect the integrity of public discourse.
Also read- Clarifying the Truth: Debunking False Claims Regarding Chitrakoot Incident