In the age of social media, misinformation spreads like wildfire, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Recently, a digitally altered image of Mahatma Gandhi has been circulating on various platforms, accompanied by a claim that Haokhothang Haokip, a member of the Kuki Tribal community, was present in the photograph during Gandhi’s visit to Utkal Tannery in Cuttack. However, diligent research has revealed that this claim is baseless and misleading. This blog aims to delve into the incident, highlight the misleading tweets, discuss the fact-checking process conducted by D-Intent, and shed light on the underlying intent behind this manipulation.
Incident Description:
The incident unfolded when a tweet from the account @KukiChronicles surfaced, featuring a digitally altered image depicting Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Utkal Tannery in Cuttack. The tweet claimed that Haokhothang Haokip, a member of the Kuki Tribal community, can be seen in the photograph, implying historical significance. The tweet quickly gained attention and garnered significant traction on social media platforms, igniting discussions and debates around the supposed association between Haokhothang Haokip and Mahatma Gandhi.
Misleading Tweets:
Let’s examine the key tweet that contributed to the dissemination of this misleading claim:
Tweet by @KukiChronicles (Link: 1): The tweet featured the digitally altered image and asserted that Haokhothang Haokip, from the Kuki Tribal community, was present in the original photograph of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Utkal Tannery. The intention behind this tweet seemed to be to gain attention and establish a personal agenda, presenting the manipulated image as historically significant. (archived link)
Fact-Checking by D-Intent:
Concerned about the authenticity of these claims, the fact-checking team at D-Intent embarked on a meticulous investigation. Here are the findings:
D-Intent Fact Check (Link: 1): The fact-check conducted by D-Intent examined the original image from Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Utkal Tannery. It was concluded that the digitally altered image shared by @KukiChronicles was baseless and misleading. Haokhothang Haokip was not present in the original photograph, debunking the claim made in the tweet. (archived link)
Intent Behind the Incident:
The intent behind the circulation of this digitally altered image becomes evident upon closer examination. It appears that certain users sought the limelight on social media by capitalizing on historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi. By fabricating connections and adding individuals to significant moments in history, they aimed to promote their personal agenda and gain attention. This incident highlights the unfortunate tendency of some individuals to distort reality for personal gain and propagate false narratives.
Conclusion:
The digitally altered image incident surrounding Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Utkal Tannery serves as a reminder of the need for critical thinking and fact-checking in the digital age. Misleading claims and manipulations can lead to the spread of false information and distort historical events. Fact-checking initiatives like D-Intent play a vital role in exposing such misinformation and preserving the integrity of historical records. It is crucial for users to exercise caution, verify information, and contribute to a more responsible and accurate online discourse.
Also read- Fact Check: Video of goats being thrown from a truck is from Maharashtra, not Uttar Pradesh
