Weekly Wrap: Misinformation Around Mahakumbh Mela, Donald Trump’s Inauguration And More

Terrorist Disguised As A Monk Arrested From Mahakumbh? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Photo
A photograph, purportedly showing a man disguised as a Sadhu (monk) being arrested by police, went viral on social media platforms with users linking it to the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Multiple X and Facebook users claimed that the photo showed one “Ayub Khan,”  a “militant” who was arrested from Mahakumbh. Newschecker found the photo to be AI-generated, while the PRO of DIG Prayagraj clarified that no terrorist was arrested from Kumbh.

Was EAM S Jaishankar Asked To Leave From Trump’s Inauguration? No, Video Viral With False Claim
A video from the inaugural ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th US President purportedly showing an official “demanding” Indian EAM S Jaishankar to leave the venue, went viral on social media platforms. Newschecker found the claim to be false with the video clip of an official asking a cameraperson to move away being misinterpreted.

SC Ruling Renders Waqf Properties Invalid? Viral Screenshot Of Article Shared With False Claim
Several social media users shared a viral graphic, comprising a screenshot of an article by online legal news portal LiveLaw, hailing a purported Supreme Court (SC) judgment that has rendered all properties “illegally” claimed by the Waqf board and similar institutions as invalid. Newschecker found that the case mentioned in the viral claim has no link to Waqf properties or its related laws and that it pertains to a private dispute.

AI-Generated Images Shared As Real ‘Unseen’ Photos Of Indira Gandhi
A set of four images, purportedly showing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in revealing clothing when she was young, has gone viral on social media, claiming to be authentic photographs. Newschecker found the viral images to be AI-generated, which were posted on a social network for artists in 2023.

Old, Unrelated Video Shared To Allege Jewellery Theft at Mahakumbh
A video of a woman crying went viral on social media platforms with users claiming that her necklace worth ₹1.5 Lakh was stolen at the Mahakumbh mela in Prayagraj. Newschecker found it to be an old video from Hardoi shared with a false claim.