The rapid expansion of digital platforms has transformed the way information reaches citizens, but it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation, manipulated content and fabricated narratives. Every major political development, administrative decision, social event and public controversy now becomes a potential target for digitally altered graphics, artificial intelligence-generated videos, edited images and misleading social media posts that can influence public perception within minutes.
Throughout July 2026, numerous false claims circulated across social media platforms, messaging applications and digital news ecosystems, involving politicians, media portals, influencers and anonymous accounts. These narratives targeted elected representatives, constitutional authorities, religious institutions, security forces, journalists, national leaders and organisations through fabricated quotations, edited visuals, AI-generated content and misleading contextual claims. Several viral posts attempted to attribute statements to public figures that they never made, while others repurposed old photographs and videos to create entirely new and misleading narratives.
The incidents documented during the month reveal recurring patterns in the dissemination of misinformation. Artificial intelligence was increasingly used to generate fake videos and graphics, edited news graphics were repeatedly circulated as genuine, archival footage was presented as current events, and fabricated claims were amplified through coordinated social media activity. Fact-checks subsequently established that these claims lacked credible evidence, official confirmation or reliable reporting, demonstrating the growing challenge posed by digitally manipulated content in the public domain.
These documented incidents collectively underline the importance of verification, responsible journalism and reliance on credible sources before accepting or sharing viral content. They also illustrate how misinformation can rapidly influence public discourse by exploiting current events and political developments through fabricated narratives presented as authentic information.
Fake Claims: Politics
1. Mehbooba Mufti’s Claim of Restrictions on Friday Prayers and Azaan at Pakherpora Mosque Found False
Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti, through her X handle @MehboobaMufti, shared a post on July 26, 2026, claiming that Friday prayers had been curtailed and the Azaan had been denied at the historic Pakherpora Mosque in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
In her post, Mehbooba Mufti condemned the alleged restrictions on Friday prayers and the reported denial of the Azaan at the mosque. She stated that such scenes had been unheard of even during the darkest years of militancy and urged the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, the GOC 15 Corps, and the Director General of Police of Jammu & Kashmir to ensure accountability for the alleged incident.
The claim was subsequently found to be false. According to the fact check, the post was shared in a false context, and no credible news reports or official sources supported the allegation. Security forces clarified that no restrictions had been imposed on Friday prayers or the Azaan at Pakherpora Mosque.
A senior district police official informed the local news agency KDC that a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was underway in the area based on credible intelligence inputs. During the operation, some devotees travelling from outside the locality may have experienced temporary inconvenience in reaching the mosque due to security measures. Officials confirmed that Friday congregational prayers and the Azaan were conducted as scheduled and that no restrictions had been placed on religious observances at the mosque.
Fake Claims Social Media Influencers
2. Viral Resignation Letter Bearing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Signature Found to Be Fake
A viral post circulating on social media claiming to show a resignation letter bearing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s signature was found to be fake.
On July 29, 2026, a Facebook user identified as Damayanti Negi shared a post claiming to circulate a resignation letter purportedly signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Along with the image, the user wrote, “How many people were happy, and how many were sad.”
The claim was subsequently found to be baseless. According to the fact check, the resignation letter had been digitally edited using artificial intelligence and was shared with a false claim. No credible news report or official confirmation supported the authenticity of the document, and no such resignation letter had been issued or signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
3. Digitally Altered Graphic Falsely Attributed Fabricated Remark to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
A social media post claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated during Mann Ki Baat that both a man and a woman existed within him, and that this was why he worked for the welfare of both, was found to be false.
On July 27, 2026, the X account Shekhar Khare (सेवानिवतृ) (@SKkhare11) shared a post claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made the statement during Mann Ki Baat.
The claim was subsequently found to be unfounded and misleading. According to the fact check, the graphic accompanying the post had been digitally altered and shared in a false context. No credible news report supported the claim.
The original Prajatantra TV graphic had carried Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks ahead of the Parliament session, in which he emphasised that every voice should be heard and every idea should be respected.
4. Viral Claim of Hanuman Temple Gates Being Closed to Prevent Student Protesters’ Entry Found Misleading
A viral social media claim alleging that the Ancient Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place had closed its gates to prevent student protesters from entering the premises was found to be misleading.
Between July 21 and 24, 2026, the X accounts ηᎥ †Ꭵ ղ (@nkk_123) and अश्वनी सोनी (@Ramraajya), along with the Instagram handle @amitkarn99, shared posts claiming that student protesters had reached the Ancient Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place seeking shelter and that the temple authorities had shut the gates to deny them entry.
The claim was subsequently found to be misleading. According to the fact check, the video accompanying the posts had been shared in a false context, and no credible news reports or reliable sources supported the allegation. The students had already been inside the temple premises, and the temple was briefly closed on police instructions to maintain order and ensure the safety of those present.
Temple chief (mahant) Avyan Sharma stated that the students had allegedly made objectionable comments inside the temple, following which some devotees had responded, resulting in a heated exchange. He further stated that the video also showed people objecting to those comments. According to Sharma, the students remained inside the temple until the situation had calmed down and later left the premises safely.
5. AI-Generated Video Falsely Claimed Lt Gen Rajeev Puri Announced Additional Force Deployment in New Delhi
A viral video claiming that Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri had announced the deployment of additional security forces in New Delhi to handle ongoing protests was found to be misleading.
On July 23, 2026, the X account Dayananda Saraswati (@HinduReformer) shared a video of Lt Gen Rajeev Puri, claiming that he had announced the deployment of additional forces in the national capital in response to the ongoing protests.
The claim was subsequently found to be misleading. According to the fact check, the video had been generated using artificial intelligence and shared in a false context. No credible news reports or official statements supported the claim.
The fact check further established that the viral video had fabricated the audio of an old press interaction and falsely portrayed it as a statement made by Lt Gen Rajeev Puri while he was serving as a Brigadier.
6. Viral Claims That Delhi Police Used Nail-Studded Batons Against Protesters Found Misleading
Viral social media posts alleging that Delhi Police used batons fitted with nails against protesters during demonstrations in the national capital were found to be misleading.
On July 21, 2026, the X accounts अश्वनी सोनी(@Ramraajya) and VandanaMeena (@Vannumeena0) shared a video claiming that batons fitted with nails had been used against protesters in Delhi.
In the post, अश्वनी सोनी(@Ramraajya) wrote, “The police were accused of bringing batons with nails fixed on them. What did they want to do? Were they humans or beasts?” VandanaMeena (@Vannumeena0) wrote, “Have you ever seen such a baton, one with nails attached at the front, which the Delhi Police had used to lathi-charge students?”
The claim was subsequently found to be misleading. According to the fact check, the video had been shared in a false context, and no credible news reports or official sources supported the allegation.
Delhi Police clarified that the videos circulating on social media alleging that police had used batons fitted with nails during the previous day’s protest were false and misleading. The police further stated that the videos were not related to the protest in question.
7. Edited Viral Graphic Falsely Attributed Dictatorship Remark on India to Donald Trump
A viral social media post claiming that a Navbharat Times graphic showed former US President Donald Trump describing India as a dictatorship and saying that it could never become a great nation was found to be false.
On July 19, 2026, the X account Arun Kumar (@arunbwn) shared a post claiming that a Navbharat Times graphic carried remarks by Donald Trump in which he allegedly called India a dictatorship and stated that it could never become a great nation.
Along with the edited graphic, Arun Kumar (@arunbwn) wrote, “What is this that Uncle Trump has said?” while claiming that Donald Trump had made the alleged remarks about India.
The claim was subsequently found to be fake and fabricated. According to the fact check, the graphic had been digitally altered and shared in a false context. No credible news report or official statement supported the claim.
The fact check further established that Donald Trump’s original remarks were about the importance of free and fair elections in general and did not mention India.
8. Fabricated Claim Falsely Alleged Deepika Padukone Criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Instagram Story
A viral social media post claiming that actor Deepika Padukone had shared an Instagram Story supporting Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi was found to be false.
On July 16, 2026, the X account Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) shared a post claiming that Deepika Padukone had posted an Instagram Story in support of Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and had described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a failed leader.
The claim was subsequently found to be fake and fabricated. According to the fact check, the post had been shared in a false context, and no credible news report, verified social media post, or any other reliable source supported the claim.
A review of Deepika Padukone’s official social media accounts found no evidence that she had shared the viral Instagram Story.
9. Edited Graphic Falsely Attributed Warning About Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sheikh Hasina
A viral social media post claiming that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had warned that the situation in India could deteriorate like that in Bangladesh and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could face the same fate as she did was found to be false.
On July 16, 2026, the Instagram user sanjayadav768 shared a graphic claiming that Sheikh Hasina had warned that India could witness circumstances similar to those in Bangladesh and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could meet the same fate.
The claim was subsequently found to be false and misleading. According to the fact check, the viral graphic had been digitally edited to misrepresent Sheikh Hasina’s original statement published by a newspaper (Dainik Bhaskar).
The fact check established that Sheikh Hasina’s actual remarks stated that she intended to return to Bangladesh in December and surrender before the court. She had also said that she would accept even death because she wished to die on her country’s soil.
10. Edited Graphic Falsely Claimed J.P. Nadda Used Insulting Slur for Welfare Scheme Beneficiaries
A viral social media post claiming that BJP National President J.P. Nadda had used an insulting slur for beneficiaries of the free ration and Ladli Behna schemes was found to be false.
On July 15, 2026, the X account sanjayadav768 shared a post claiming that J.P. Nadda had insulted beneficiaries of the free ration and Ladli Behna schemes by using an insulting slur.
The claim was subsequently found to be unfounded. According to the fact check, the viral graphic had been edited and circulated in a false context. No credible evidence or official record supported the claim that J.P. Nadda had made such a statement.
The fact check further found that the graphic appeared to have been digitally altered to attribute fabricated remarks to J.P. Nadda, thereby misleading social media users.
11. Edited Postcard Falsely Attributed 2027 Uttar Pradesh Election Remark to Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand
A viral social media post claiming that Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati had predicted that Yogi Adityanath would once again become the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh after the 2027 Assembly elections was found to be false.
On July 14, 2026, the X account Anuj Shukla (@AnujShukla00009) shared a post featuring a postcard attributed to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. The postcard claimed that he had said, “In the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Yogi Adityanath will once again become the Chief Minister. No one will be able to stop him from becoming Chief Minister again. This is my promise.”
The claim was subsequently found to be completely false. According to the fact check, the postcard had been digitally edited and circulated in a misleading context. Shankaracharya’s media in-charge, Sanjay Pandey, also described the viral postcard as fake news.
The fact check established that Shankaracharya’s actual remarks were, “If cows are not given due respect, the BJP will face serious consequences in the upcoming elections.” He made the statement during his visit to Ikauna in Shravasti, where he delivered a message on cow protection and Sanatan Dharma.
12. Edited Graphic Falsely Attributed Childhood Australia Visit Remark to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
A viral social media post claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said he was sent to Australia as a child to see kangaroos because he was the smartest student in his school was found to be false.
On July 14, 2026, the X account of Samajwadi Party leader Vijay Singh Yadav (@Socialist_VIJAY) shared a post claiming that a Prajatantra TV graphic showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi making the alleged remark.
The claim was subsequently found to be unfounded and misleading. According to the fact check, the graphic had been digitally altered and circulated in a false context. No such statement appeared in the original graphic.
The fact check established that the original Prajatantra TV graphic featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying, “The milk came from Australia, but the tea was made in India.”
13. False Claim of Sonam Wangchuk’s Death During Hunger Strike Circulated on Social Media
A viral social media post claiming that education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk had died while on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi was found to be false.
On July 13, 2026, the X account A.K. Stalin (@iamAKstalin) shared a post claiming that Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, had passed away.
The claim was subsequently found to be false and misleading. According to the fact check, the post had been shared with a fabricated narrative, and no credible news report, official statement, or evidence supported the claim.
Available information indicated that by the 16th day of his hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk had lost around 8.2 kg, but there had been no confirmation of his death. The fact check also noted that neither CJP nor Abhijeet Dipke had issued any official statement announcing his death. Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike at Jantar Mantar was continuing.
14. Edited Graphic Falsely Attributed Remark on Soldiers to Giriraj Singh
A viral social media post claiming that BJP leader Giriraj Singh had stated that the deaths of soldiers should not be mourned because soldiers were recruited to die was found to be false.
On July 11, 2026, the Instagram account joysengupta97 shared a post attributing the statement to Giriraj Singh.
The claim was subsequently found to be fake and fabricated. According to the fact check, the graphic had been digitally altered and circulated with a false narrative.
No credible news report, interview, speech, official statement, or other verified source supported the claim that Giriraj Singh had ever made such a statement.
15. Old Video Falsely Claimed to Show China Crossing Indian Border to Occupy Territory
A viral social media post claiming that a video showed Chinese forces crossing the Indian border to occupy Indian territory was found to be false.
On July 6, 2026, the Instagram account cjpupofficiaal shared a video claiming that it showed China crossing the Indian border to capture Indian territory.
The claim was subsequently found to be fake and fabricated. According to the fact check, the old video had been shared in a false context, and no credible news reports, official statements, or verified sources supported the claim.
The fact check established that the video dated back to April 2026 and reportedly showed an Assam Rifles convoy forcing its way through a barricade set up by local women in Talui village of Ukhrul district, Manipur, during a local law-and-order situation.
16. Old 2021 Video Falsely Shared as China Establishing New Colony Near the Line of Actual Control
A viral social media post claiming that China had established a new colony on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was found to be false.
On July 6, 2026, the X account राजुचौधरी नागौर (RLP) (@rajuchoudhar331) shared a video claiming that China had been setting up a new colony on the Indian side of the LAC. The post further alleged that the government had remained silent on the issue, claimed that local residents had described it as illegal encroachment, and cited Union Minister Kiren Rijiju as saying that the LAC was not clearly demarcated.
The claim was subsequently found to be unfounded and baseless. According to the fact check, the video had been shared in a false context, and no credible news reports, official statements, or reliable sources supported the allegation.
The fact check established that the viral clip was an old video from 2021 showing Chinese People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) troops being intercepted by Indian security personnel near Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh during a border standoff. The footage had no connection to any recent incident or to the claim that China had established a new settlement inside Indian territory.
17. AI-Generated Graphic Falsely Attributed Statue of Unity Claim to Chinese Journalist
A viral social media post claiming that a Chinese journalist had alleged irregularities in the cost of the Statue of Unity project was found to be false.
On July 5, 2026, the X account handle श्याम (@shyam_sh999) shared a post claiming that a Chinese journalist had said the Statue of Unity cost only ₹342 crore instead of ₹3,000 crore and alleged that the remaining amount had been siphoned off as commissions by the ruling party and people from Gujarat. The post also made derogatory remarks about the Ram Temple and political groups while presenting these allegations without any supporting evidence.
The claim was subsequently found to be fake and fabricated. According to the fact check, the graphic had been generated using artificial intelligence and circulated in a false context. No credible news reports or official sources supported the viral claim.
The fact check further established that no evidence existed that any Chinese journalist had made such a statement about the Statue of Unity project. It also found that the woman shown in the graphic was China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Hua Chunying, and not a journalist. The image had been deliberately manipulated to spread misinformation.
18. Edited Navbharat Times Graphic Falsely Attributed Self-Praising Remark to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
A viral social media post claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the world was discussing his talent and that he had transformed India into a Vishwaguru was found to be false.
On July 4, 2026, the X account Queen (@Queen510619151) shared a graphic presented as a Navbharat Times (NBT) graphic, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made the alleged self-praising remarks.
The claim was subsequently found to be false and misleading. According to the fact check, the viral Navbharat Times graphic had been digitally edited to replace the original quote with a fabricated statement.
The fact check established that the original Navbharat Times graphic carried Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the global energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict and India’s efforts to navigate the crisis.
19. Edited Graphic Falsely Attributed Currency Note Remark to Giriraj Singh
A viral social media post claiming that BJP leader Giriraj Singh had suggested replacing Mahatma Gandhi’s photograph on Indian currency notes with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image was found to be false.
On July 3, 2026, the Facebook account Kuldeep Chaudhary shared a post claiming that Giriraj Singh had said Mahatma Gandhi’s photograph should be replaced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image on Indian currency notes.
The claim was subsequently found to be unfounded. According to the fact check, the graphic had been digitally edited and circulated in a false context to mislead viewers. No credible news reports, official statements, or reliable sources supported the viral claim.
The fact check established that Giriraj Singh had made no such statement suggesting that Mahatma Gandhi’s photograph on Indian currency notes should be replaced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image. The viral graphic had been fabricated to falsely attribute the remarks to him and spread misinformation.
20. AI-Generated Video Falsely Claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announced ‘Free Mobile’ Scheme
A viral social media video claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a “Free Mobile” scheme was found to be false.
On July 3, 2026, the Facebook account GovtEdge shared a video claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a scheme under which individuals possessing both an Aadhaar card and a ration card, and whose families had no member employed in a government job, would be eligible to receive a free mobile phone.
The claim was subsequently found to be baseless and misleading. According to the fact check, the viral video had been created using artificial intelligence and circulated with a false claim. No credible news reports, government notifications, or official announcements supported the existence of such a scheme.
The fact check further established that neither the Central Government nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced any “Free Mobile” scheme. The viral video had been fabricated and circulated with false claims.
Fake Claims Media Portals and Journalist
21. Viral Claim of Hanuman Temple Gates Being Closed to Prevent Student Protesters’ Entry Found Misleading
A viral social media claim alleging that the Ancient Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place had closed its gates to prevent student protesters from entering the premises was found to be misleading.
Between July 21 and 24, 2026, the X accounts Journalist Kavish Aziz (@azizkavish) and Neha Dixit (@nehadixit123) shared posts claiming that student protesters had reached the Ancient Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place seeking shelter and that the temple authorities had shut the gates to deny them entry.
The claim was subsequently found to be misleading. According to the fact check, the video had been shared in a false context, and no credible news reports or reliable sources supported the allegation. The students had already been inside the temple premises, and the temple was briefly closed on police instructions to maintain order and ensure the safety of those present.
Temple chief (mahant) Avyan Sharma stated that the students had allegedly made objectionable comments inside the temple, following which some devotees had responded, resulting in a heated exchange. He further stated that the video also showed people objecting to those comments. According to Sharma, the students remained inside the temple until the situation had calmed down and later left the premises safely.
22. Edited Graphic Falsely Attributed Dictatorship Remark on India to Donald Trump
A viral social media post claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump had described India as a dictatorship and called the Indian Prime Minister disgraceful was found to be false.
On July 23, 2026, the Instagram account Braj Mewat Times (@bmtf_live) shared a post attributing the statement to Donald Trump. The accompanying post stated,”Hamare desh ki media se pata chala hai…” aur added, “Is kathit bayan ko lekar social media par behas tez hai. Aap is par kya sochte hain? Apni rai comment mein bataiye.”
The claim was subsequently found to be fake and fabricated. According to the fact check, the graphic had been digitally altered and circulated in a false context. No credible news reports or reliable sources supported the viral claim.
The fact check further established that there was no credible evidence that Donald Trump had ever made the statement attributed to him.
23. Viral Claims That Delhi Police Used Nail-Studded Batons Against Protesters Found Misleading
Viral social media posts alleging that Delhi Police used batons fitted with nails against protesters during demonstrations in the national capital were found to be misleading.
On July 21, 2026, the X account Alt News – Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) shared a video claiming that batons fitted with nails had been used against protesters in Delhi.
In the post, @zoo_bear wrote, “You’ll see a lot of protesters at Jantar Mantar with blood streaming from their heads.”
The claim was subsequently found to be misleading. According to the fact check, the video had been shared in a false context, and no credible news reports or official sources supported the allegation.
Delhi Police clarified that the videos circulating on social media alleging that police had used batons fitted with nails during the previous day’s protest were false and misleading. The police further stated that the videos were not related to the protest in question.
24. Old Dehradun Video Falsely Shared as Delhi Police Assaulting Women During Protest
A viral social media post claiming that Delhi Police personnel had beaten girls and women during a protest was found to be misleading.
On July 21, 2026, the X account Journalist Kavish Aziz (@azizkavish) shared a video claiming that Delhi Police constables had assaulted girls and women.
In the post, Kavish Aziz (@azizkavish) wrote, “Are Rubika Liyaquat, you will not show these news reports? Delhi Police personnel had been assaulting girls and women.”
The claim was subsequently found to be unfounded and misleading. According to the fact check, the video had been shared in a false context to create a misleading narrative. No credible news reports, official statements, or reliable sources supported the claim that Delhi Police personnel had assaulted girls and women.
The fact check established that the footage was from October 2025 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, where a truck had crashed into a house, resulting in a dispute after the landlady demanded compensation from the driver. The video had no connection with the Delhi Police, and the claims linking the footage to Delhi Police action were false and misleading.
25. Claim That MeitY Restricted Ministries From Using OpenAI and Anthropic Found Misleading
A claim that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had directed government ministries to refrain from deploying OpenAI and Anthropic cybersecurity models and related functions was found to be misleading.
On July 13, 2026, media portal The Print published an article claiming that a MeitY body had advised ministries to hold off on deploying OpenAI and Anthropic cybersecurity models and related functions. The report further stated that the development had come days after the two companies had approached several ministries with their proposals.
The claim was subsequently found to be unfounded and misleading. According to the fact check, the article had been shared with a false and misleading claim, and no credible official statement or verified report supported the narrative.
MeitY clarified that it had not issued any direction or advisory prohibiting ministries from using OpenAI or Anthropic.
26. AI-Manipulated Image Falsely Depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi Signing Girl’s T-Shirt Inappropriately
A viral image claiming to show Prime Minister Narendra Modi signing a girl’s T-shirt in an inappropriate manner was found to be manipulated.
On July 12, 2026, the Instagram account of media portal News18 India shared an image claiming to show Prime Minister Narendra Modi signing a girl’s T-shirt in an inappropriate manner.
The claim was subsequently found to be false. According to the fact check, the viral image had been manipulated using artificial intelligence.
The fact check established that, in the original image, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had signed the shoulder area of the girl’s T-shirt while interacting with children after his speech at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The manipulated version digitally shifted the autograph from the shoulder to the upper chest area and altered Prime Minister Modi’s posture to make it appear as though he was leaning towards the girl, thereby creating a misleading and inappropriate impression.
27. AI-Manipulated Video Falsely Linked Ravi Kishan’s Statement to Bharat Tiwari Encounter
A viral social media post claiming that BJP MP Ravi Kishan had justified the alleged encounter of Bharat Tiwari was found to be misleading.
On July 1, 2026, the Instagram news portal chauthakhambaofficial shared a video claiming that Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan had commented on and justified the alleged encounter of Bharat Tiwari. The post presented a digitally edited video of the MP as his reaction to the alleged incident.
The claim was subsequently found to be misleading. According to the fact check, the video had been manipulated using artificial intelligence and shared out of context. No credible news reports or official details supported the claim.
The fact check established that Ravi Kishan’s statement in support of police encounters was made while commenting on the law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh and taking a political dig at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. He made no reference to the alleged encounter involving Bharat Tiwari during his interaction with the media. The video was later manipulated using artificial intelligence and circulated with a misleading claim linking it to the alleged encounter.
Fake Claims Against RSS
28. Edited Graphic Falsely Attributed Remark on Homosexuality to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat
A viral social media post claiming that RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat had said that all Brahmins must become homosexual to make India a Hindu Rashtra was found to be false.
On July 17, 2026, the X account ठाकुर कुलदीप सिंह (स्वतंत्र विचार) (@Ramesh18498367) shared a graphic claiming that Dr. Mohan Bhagwat had made the alleged remark. Along with the graphic, the account wrote, “This was a manly thing to say; therefore, Brahmins should immediately start doing this among themselves to save the country and Vedic tradition.”
The claim was subsequently found to be fake and fabricated. According to the fact check, the viral graphic had been digitally altered and circulated in a false context.
The fact check established that the original graphic contained no statement relating to Brahmins or homosexuality. Instead, it carried a message reflecting Dr. Mohan Bhagwat’s ideological view that all Indians are Hindus and included no reference to either Brahmins or homosexuality. The manipulated graphic had been edited to falsely attribute the controversial remark to him and mislead social media users.
29. AI-Generated Graphic Falsely Attributed ‘Jai Bhim’ Remark to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat
A viral social media post claiming that RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat had described the slogan “Jai Bhim” as political and divisive was found to be false.
On July 11, 2026, the Instagram account rajagurjotsingh shared a post attributing the statement to Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and alleging that he had called the slogan “Jai Bhim” political and said that it divides society.
The claim was subsequently found to be false. According to the fact check, the graphic had been generated using artificial intelligence and circulated in a false context.
The fact check further established that there was no credible evidence, including any interview, speech, or public statement, indicating that Dr. Mohan Bhagwat had ever made such a remark.
The incidents documented during July 2026 collectively illustrate the growing scale and sophistication of misinformation campaigns targeting Bharat’s political discourse, public institutions, constitutional authorities, security agencies, religious organisations, media ecosystem and prominent public figures. The fact-checks reveal recurring patterns involving AI-generated videos, digitally manipulated graphics, edited photographs, fabricated quotations, recycled videos and misleading contextual narratives that were widely circulated through social media platforms, influencers and media portals.
A significant trend emerging from these incidents is the increasing use of artificial intelligence and digital editing tools to create highly convincing yet false content capable of influencing public opinion. Multiple claims relied on fabricated visuals, manipulated news graphics, old videos presented as recent events and entirely fictional statements attributed to national leaders, journalists and public personalities. These techniques demonstrate how misinformation campaigns continue to evolve in both scale and sophistication.
The findings also reinforce the importance of verification through credible reporting, official clarifications and evidence-based fact-checking before accepting or sharing viral content. As digital information continues to shape public discourse, responsible journalism and informed media consumption remain essential safeguards against the spread of fabricated narratives and misleading claims.
Collectively, these twenty-nine documented incidents provide a snapshot of the misinformation landscape during July 2026 and underscore the continuing need for vigilance, factual reporting and rigorous verification in preserving the integrity of public information and democratic discourse.
