Fact Check: No, Rashtrapati Bhavan Didn't Replace Sikh Guards, False Claims Go Viral

Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's controversial statement suggesting a possible link between the Indian government and the June killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, social media platforms were flooded with speculations and rumors about potential domestic repercussions.

On social microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), netizens began disseminating unverified assertions. Among these claims were allegations that, in response to Trudeau's statement, the Indian Army had ceased granting leaves to Sikh soldiers. Additionally, there were assertions that Sikh security personnel at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, had been replaced.

These tweets began circulating on September 19, coinciding with a special session at the new Parliament building.

However, a fact-check by the Ministry of Defence and the Press Information Bureau found that these allegations were completely false.

The Additional Directorate General of Public Information said that the tweets in question were spreading "fake messages" on social media and that malicious actors were behind these false assertions.

Indian Army also denied allegations of denying leaves to Sikh soldiers and replacing Sikh security personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Press Information Bureau also issued clarifications, asserting that no such decisions or actions had been taken and that these unfounded allegations were being circulated with the aim of fomenting disharmony within the society.