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Viral Video of Protest Crackdown Falsely Attributed to West Bengal Elections
A video circulating on social media allegedly showing army personnel using force against supporters of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been confirmed as false by fact-checking organization Vishvas News. The footage, which has gained significant traction amid the ongoing 2026 assembly election season in India, actually depicts events in Bangladesh from February of this year.
The misleading video was shared on Facebook on April 9 by a user named “Vikee Dhabhai” with the caption, “Brave army soldiers treating Mamata Behenji’s goons.” The post appeared during a sensitive period in India’s electoral calendar, with voting already completed in Assam, Kerala (recently renamed Keralam), and Puducherry, while West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are still preparing for their upcoming polls.
Through a detailed investigation involving reverse image searches and verification with multiple sources, Vishvas News determined that the footage originated from protests in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The video was initially shared by Bangladeshi media outlets, including Facebook page “Chdnews24,” on February 6, 2026.
According to reports from Bangladesh’s Jugantor news and the Dhaka Tribune, the video shows a clash between police forces and activists from Inquilab Manch, a political group demanding justice for their spokesperson Sharif Usman Hadi, who was assassinated in 2025. News agency ANI had also shared this footage on February 6, correctly identifying it as showing demonstrations in Dhaka.
The fact-checking team consulted with Dainik Jagran’s Kolkata bureau chief JK Bajpai, who confirmed that no such incident had occurred in West Bengal. This confirmation further reinforced the conclusion that the video was being shared with false geographical and political context.
The timing of the misinformation is particularly significant given India’s ongoing election cycle. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the assembly election schedule for Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry on March 15, 2026. While voting concluded in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9 with respective turnouts of 85.38%, 78.03%, and 89.83%, West Bengal’s two-phase voting is scheduled for April 23 and 29. Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with results for all states to be announced on May 4.
The circulation of such misinformation during election periods raises concerns about the potential impact on voter sentiment and political stability. False attributions of violence can inflame tensions between political factions and potentially influence electoral outcomes.
This incident underscores the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age, particularly during sensitive political periods. The Facebook account that shared the misleading video has approximately 12,000 followers, indicating the potential reach of such false claims.
The case also highlights the importance of cross-border awareness in fact-checking, as content from neighboring countries can be repurposed to serve domestic political narratives. In February 2026, the Indian government approved changing Kerala’s official name to “Keralam,” a detail that appears in the original fact-check but has no direct connection to the misinformation being spread.
As election activities continue across the remaining states, voters and social media users are encouraged to verify information through reliable sources before sharing content that could potentially mislead others or exacerbate political tensions during this critical democratic process.
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10 Comments
This is a good reminder to be cautious about using unverified video footage, especially during election seasons when misinformation can easily spread. Fact-checking is essential for maintaining an informed and honest public dialogue.
Well said. Fact-checking is the responsible thing to do, even if the unverified content may align with our own views or preferences. Integrity of information should be the priority.
Fact-checking is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information, especially around political events. This case highlights the need to be vigilant about verifying claims and sources before sharing content online.
Well said. In an age of rampant misinformation, it’s more important than ever to rely on credible, fact-based sources. Kudos to the fact-checkers for their diligent work in debunking this misleading video.
This is a good example of why we need robust fact-checking processes, particularly around sensitive political issues. Verifying the source and context of viral content is essential for preventing the spread of misinformation.
Agreed. It’s commendable that the fact-checkers were able to trace the origins of this video and correct the false narrative. Maintaining the integrity of information should be a top priority, especially during election seasons.
Interesting fact-check. It’s important to verify the source and context of viral videos before spreading misinformation, even if the content aligns with our political views. Fact-checking helps maintain the integrity of the public discourse.
Agreed. Verifying information before sharing is crucial, especially around sensitive political topics. Thanks for highlighting this important lesson.
It’s concerning to see how easily false narratives can take hold, especially around political events. Kudos to the fact-checkers for their diligent work in tracing the origins of this viral video and setting the record straight.
Absolutely. In today’s information landscape, it’s critical that we all take the time to verify claims before amplifying them. Fact-checking efforts play a vital role in maintaining an informed and accountable public discourse.