Tensions have gripped Murshidabad’s Beldanga following clashes between two groups, leaving several injured. The police have arrested 17 people so far, and the administration has imposed an Internet shutdown across the district until Thursday to maintain order.
Amid this unrest, a video claiming to depict a shootout during the Beldanga violence has gone viral on social media. The footage shows individuals firing at what appears to be army personnel, who retaliate in defence. It is being claimed that the clip has captured an attack on security forces during the recent Beldanga clashes.
The video is shared on Facebook with a caption:, “বেলডাঙ্গা দেবকুন্ডো রেলগেট এর উপরে ভিডিও” (English version: Video at the top of Beldanga Devkundo Railgate)
Here’s the link to the above post. (Archive)
FACT CHECK
NewsMobile fact-checked the above claim, and found it to be MISLEADING.
Running the video keyframes through Reverse Image Search, our team found the viral footage having no connection with the Beldanga incident. The video was first shared by the official YouTube channel of Asianet Newsable on September 9, 2024, saying it shows an attack by Kuki militants on a CRPF camp in Laimaton Thangbuh village, Manipur, dated September 8. The militants ambushed the camp while CRPF personnel were in the process of setting it up.
Further verification on Republic World’s official website corroborates the incident, stating that Kuki militants launched the attack in the hilly areas of Kangpokpi, Manipur. A report on ANI website quotes CRPF DIG Manish Kumar Sachar, who confirmed that the soldiers were ambushed but successfully defended themselves, forcing the assailants to flee. During the retreat, two vehicles were reportedly set ablaze.
Thus, it is confirmed that the viral video actually shows an attack on the CRPF camp in Manipur in September 2024, NOT Murshidabad’s Beldanga clash as claimed.
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