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Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was not among those who died in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati, despite widespread circulation of a video claiming to show his mortal remains being transported from a hospital.
The video, which has been shared extensively on social media and picked up by several news outlets including Times Now Navbharat, News9Live, and News Daily 24, shows hospital staff transporting a shrouded body on a stretcher, with police officers saluting and bystanders placing flowers as photographers document the scene.
A fact check investigation has revealed the video actually shows a tribute to organ donor Sunil Patankar from Badlapur, whose family donated his organs following his death from a brain hemorrhage on January 23 at Fortis Hospital in Mulund, Mumbai. The footage was recorded on January 24, days before the alleged plane crash, and first posted on social media on January 26.
The confusion appears to have stemmed from a misidentification of the deceased and the location. According to multiple social media posts from acquaintances of Patankar, including Netra Naravane and Ganesh Hinge, the 49-year-old suffered a brain stroke on January 19 and died four days later. Following his death, his wife Supriya and son agreed to donate his organs.
Visual elements in the video further confirm this account. A wall visible in the footage bears the inscription “A Tribute To Organ Donors,” consistent with similar memorial walls found at Fortis Hospitals across India. These walls are dedicated to honoring those who have donated organs posthumously.
The misattribution of the video is particularly concerning given the significant political implications. Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the current Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has been at the center of the state’s political landscape for decades. Any news regarding his well-being naturally generates substantial public interest and concern.
Reports claiming that Pawar had been taken to Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital in Baramati after the alleged crash further contradict the viral video’s claims, as the footage was confirmed to be from Fortis Hospital in Mulund, Mumbai.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age, particularly during alleged crisis events when public anxiety is high and verification standards may be compromised in the rush to report breaking news. Several media outlets apparently failed to conduct basic verification before sharing the misleading information.
This case of misinformation is particularly dangerous as it involves a high-ranking government official and could potentially trigger unnecessary public panic or political instability. It demonstrates how quickly false information can spread through both social media channels and established news networks.
The erroneous reporting also underscores the importance of media literacy among consumers of news and information. Viewers are increasingly encouraged to verify information through multiple sources before accepting claims at face value, especially regarding sensitive matters such as the death of public figures.
For now, Maharashtra residents and the broader Indian public can be reassured that, contrary to the viral video’s implications, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has not been involved in any plane crash. Meanwhile, the true subject of the video, Sunil Patankar, deserves recognition for his family’s decision to donate his organs, potentially saving multiple lives through their selfless act during a time of personal tragedy.
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6 Comments
This is a good reminder to be cautious about videos and claims circulating on social media. It’s easy for misinformation to spread quickly, so it’s crucial to fact-check before sharing.
I appreciate the diligence of the fact-checkers in uncovering the true story behind this video. It’s a good reminder to be wary of unverified information, even if it seems convincing at first glance.
It’s unfortunate that the organ donor’s touching tribute got caught up in this mix-up. But I’m glad the truth was eventually revealed, and that the family’s gesture could be properly recognized.
Interesting fact check. It’s important to verify information, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like the death of public figures. Spreading false claims can be harmful, so I’m glad the truth was uncovered in this case.
The organ donor tribute seems like a very touching moment. I’m glad the family was able to honor their loved one’s legacy in that way, even as the confusion over his identity caused some initial misunderstanding.
This is a good example of why it’s important to approach viral claims and videos with a critical eye. Taking the time to verify the facts can prevent the propagation of false narratives.