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In a case of political misinformation ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, a video circulating on social media falsely claims to show protests against vote manipulation in West Bengal. An investigation by India Today Fact Check has revealed that the footage actually depicts events from Bihar’s Sasaram district, recorded in November 2025.
The misleading video was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with inflammatory claims that “BJP’s Amit Shah has taken control of the Election Commission office” in West Bengal. The post urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to call for a statewide shutdown ahead of the May 4 vote counting date for elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.
Careful examination of comments on the viral post led fact-checkers to discover that the footage originated from Sasaram in Bihar’s Rohtas district. A commenter had shared a November 13, 2025, post featuring the same location filmed from a different angle. The entrance gate visible in the video clearly displays “Sasaram,” contradicting claims about its location in Kolkata.
Further investigation uncovered multiple news reports from November 2025 that provided context for the incident. According to coverage from The Indian Express, ABP Bihar, and News 18, the video captured a controversy that erupted when members of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) accused local officials of bringing a suspicious truck to a counting center in Sasaram.
The RJD had alleged that the vehicle contained electronic voting machines (EVMs) being transported without proper notification or oversight. The incident occurred at the Bazar Samiti counting center in Takia, Sasaram, just before the Bihar Assembly vote counting process was set to begin.
Reports from Hindustan Times and The Times of India confirmed the incident but noted that district officials had refuted the accusations. According to these sources, administrative officials maintained that the truck contained only empty steel boxes, not EVMs as alleged. Officials stated that they conducted an inspection of the vehicle’s contents in the presence of candidate representatives, with the entire process recorded on video for transparency.
The Rohtas district administration also publicly addressed the controversy at the time, responding directly to RJD’s allegations on social media. They confirmed receiving information about the truck’s entry to the counting center but emphasized that their subsequent inspection verified that no EVMs were present in the vehicle—only empty steel trunks.
This incident illustrates the heightened tensions that often surround electoral processes in India, where allegations of vote manipulation can spread rapidly, especially on social media platforms. With multiple states preparing for Assembly election results on May 4, 2026, the recycling of old, out-of-context footage represents a pattern of misinformation that often intensifies during election periods.
The fact-checking investigation conclusively determined that the viral video does not show BJP taking control of the Election Commission’s office in Kolkata as claimed. Instead, it documents a seven-month-old controversy from a different state that was resolved after official clarification.
As vote counting approaches for the 2026 Assembly elections, electoral officials and media organizations remain vigilant against similar instances of misinformation that could potentially influence public perception or create unnecessary political tensions during a critical democratic process.
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9 Comments
The investigation into the origins of this misleading video is a testament to the importance of thorough, unbiased fact-checking. Kudos to the team for their diligence in tracing the footage back to its actual source in Bihar.
It’s disheartening to see how political actors can exploit social media to sow discord and division. This case underscores the importance of having robust fact-checking mechanisms in place to counter the spread of misinformation.
The details uncovered by the fact-checkers are quite illuminating. It’s a shame that some individuals or groups are willing to exploit misinformation for political gain. Rigorous fact-checking is essential to combat the spread of false narratives.
This is a good example of how disinformation can quickly spread on social media, especially around sensitive political topics. I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to trace the origins of the video and set the record straight.
Absolutely. Fact-checking and debunking false claims is vital to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Kudos to the team for their thorough investigation.
This is a sobering reminder of the challenges we face in the digital age when it comes to separating truth from fiction. Fact-checking initiatives play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of our democratic processes.
This fact check highlights the need for greater media literacy and critical thinking when it comes to consuming online content, especially around politically charged issues. Verifying the source and context of information is key to avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation.
Agreed. Fact-checking is a vital public service that helps maintain trust in democratic institutions and processes. More people should be aware of reliable fact-checking resources.
Interesting fact check on the misleading video about alleged BJP control over the EC office in Kolkata. It’s concerning to see such political misinformation spread ahead of important elections. Careful verification of the source and location is crucial to prevent the spread of false narratives.