Pahalgam Terror Attack and the Wave of Misinformation: A Comprehensive Fact Check

Meanwhile, Pakistani social media accounts launched a systematic campaign to distort the narrative. They used hashtags such as #IndianFalseFlag, #PahalgamDramaExposed, and #ModiExposed, falsely alleging that the attack was a "staged operation" by India. In response to the widespread disinformation, the Indian government banned several Pakistani YouTube channels from operating in India.

1. Man Alleging Pahalgam Terror Attack Was Pre-Planned IsNot an Indian Army Soldier

A viral video shows a man in uniform, identified as Indian Army soldier "Ashok Kumar," claiming that the Pahalgam terror attack was pre-planned and designed to appear as an act of terror, implying it was a false flag operation. The video was shared with captions such as:

“Listen to the truth about the Pahalgam terror attack directly from Indian Army soldier Ashok Kumar. He said the attack is a conspiracy to fulfill political objectives. I never imagined they would stoop to this level. Congratulations to this brave soldier who exposed the conspiracy.”

Telugupost analyzed the video, examining the uniform, language, insignia, and cross-referencing it with official sources and social media profiles. It became clear that the individual was reading from a script. He spoke in a more "bookish" tone than a typical Army jawan, indicating he was likely impersonating a soldier.

Additionally, he wore the PC-DPM (Personal Clothing – Disruptive Pattern Material) uniform introduced by the Indian Army in 2006, which features horizontal swathes of black, brown, and green on a khaki-green background.

Conclusion: The claim is false. The man is impersonating an Indian Army soldier and is not “Ashok Kumar” nor affiliated with the Indian Army.

2. Video Showing Indian Army Generals Walking Out ofMeeting Has No Link to Pakistan Conflict

A video showing Indian Army officers abruptly leaving a meeting is being circulated with the false claim that they were protesting their inability to fight a war with Pakistan.

Several YouTube channels shared the video with captions such as:

“Indian Army generals have walked out of a meeting, saying, ‘We are not at war against Pakistan.’”

Telugupost conducted a reverse image and keyframe search and traced the video to a March 2025 press conference related to the Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath assault incident. Colonel Bath was assaulted by Punjab police officers outside a Dhaba in Patiala. The DGP of Punjab Police and an Army officer jointly held a press conference, but Army officials left without answering any questions.

Conclusion: The video is unrelated to the Pakistan conflict. It depicts a press conference about a local incident in Punjab, not a war readiness discussion.

3. Viral Images Show Demolished Homes of Terrorists, NotCivilians in Kashmir

Several images of collapsed houses, mostly appearing to be from hill stations, are circulating on social media with claims that Indian forces are demolishing homes and arresting innocent Kashmiris. Captions read:

“Since the Pahalgam incident, Indian forces are waging open war on innocent Kashmiris. Mass arrests, demolitions, torture, and collective punishment in full force.”

Telugupost cross-referenced the images with official sources and found that the demolished houses belonged to terrorists or their aides involved in the Pahalgam attack, as confirmed by multiple media outlets.

Conclusion: The claim is false. The demolished houses belonged to terrorists, not civilians.

4. Old IUML Protest in Kerala Falsely Shared asPro-Pakistan Rally

A video is being shared widely, claiming that Kerala Muslims were marching in support of Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. One user stated:

“Kerala Muslims are taking out a rally in support of Pakistan. The traitors are spared by the state government.”

Others claimed that a Pakistani national flag was being waved in the rally.

Telugupost traced the video to a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act, held prior to the Pahalgam attack. Upon examination, the green flag seen in the rally belongs to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), often mistaken for the Pakistani flag. Additionally, the attire of participants was not similar to the Pakistani cricket jersey, disproving claims of support for Pakistan.

Conclusion: The video is unrelated to the Pahalgam attack and does not show a pro-Pakistan rally.

5. Couple in Viral Video Is Not Lieutenant Vinay Narwaland His Wife

A video of a couple dancing to a Hindi song on a green field has gone viral. The man in the video was falsely identified as Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, with captions claiming:

“This is the last video of Navy officer Vinay Narwal before his death.”

Telugupost traced the video to journalist Sachin Gupta, who posted it originally. The woman in the video released a statement:

“We are alive. The man is not Vinay Narwal, and I am not his wife Himanshi. We have been receiving many calls, and people are mourning our deaths. Please stop spreading this misinformation.”

Conclusion: The couple in the video are not Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife.

6. Video of Soldiers Complaining About Non-BulletproofVehicle Is Not Recent

A video shows Indian soldiers complaining about being sent in non-bulletproof vehicles. The caption claims that soldiers are fighting in pathetic conditions, without proper protection.

Telugupost extracted keyframes and found the video dates back to October 2020. In it, a soldier can be heard saying that senior officers travel in bulletproof vehicles, while regular soldiers are left exposed.

Conclusion: The video is old and not related to recent events.

7. Claim That 15 of 26 Victims in Pahalgam Attack WereMuslims Is False

A list circulated on social media claims that 15 of the 26 victims in the Pahalgam attack were Muslims, alleging media bias in coverage.

Telugupost reviewed the India TV news report dated April 23 and found that only one victim, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, had a Muslim name. The rest were non-Muslims.

Conclusion: The claim is false. Only one Muslim victim was confirmed.

8. Old Video Shared As Indian Army Killing PahalgamTerrorists

A video being shared claims to show Indian forces killing terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. However, the footage actually shows a 2022 fire in the Sialkot cantonment in Punjab, Pakistan.

Telugupost confirmed this through reverse image verification and found the same footage used in a One India News report dated March 20, 2022, which stated that the fire was caused by a short circuit.

Conclusion: The claim is false. The video predates the Pahalgam attack and is unrelated.

9. Claim That Pakistan Destroyed Two Indian Army Posts IsFalse

A video claiming that Pakistan destroyed two Indian Army posts, resulting in heavy casualties, has gone viral. The post, shared by “South Asian Perspective,” states:

“Pakistan Army used artillery and destroyed two Indian Army positions along the Line of Control.”

Telugupost found that the viral image actually shows a March 2025 wildfire in Ireland’s Mourne Mountains, while the video is from 2024 separatist clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Conclusion: False. The visuals are unrelated to India–Pakistan tensions.

10. Old Video of Lahore Airport Fire Shared as RecentIncident

A video claims that a missile crash at Lahore Airport caused a fire, killing 14 Pakistani soldiers, and that a group called the Liberation Force in Afghanistan claimed responsibility.

Telugupost traced the video to a previous fire at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, reported by Osinth TVX. The fire led to flight diversions due to smoke, but there were no casualties or military involvement.

Conclusion: The video is old and unrelated to any missile crash.

Telugupost has published more than 20 fact checks to counter misinformation related to the Pahalgam terror attack, in various Indian languages. Let us stay informed and vigilant.

If you come across any suspicious images, videos, or posts related to the Pahalgam terror attack or India–Pakistan tensions, please report them to:

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