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.
#FakeNewsAlert#Beware
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 19, 2023
Fake messages are being spread on social media by inimical agents about soldiers of #IndianArmy, spreading rumours & hate-mongering.
Safeguard yourselves against such fake news. #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/7q1icOPXdm
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.
Claim: Following Sikh leader Hardeep Singhs assassination, Sikh security personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan have been replaced & Army is denying leave to Sikh soldiers#PIBFactCheck
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 19, 2023
This claim is Fake & shared with intention to create disharmony
No such decisions have been taken pic.twitter.com/wF6bLOXrKK
Fact Check
Claim
The claim states that the Indian Army started denying leaves to Sikh soldiers. Many also claimed that Sikh security personnel who were placed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, have also been replaced.
Conclusion
Viral post claiming Sikh security personnel deployed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan been replaced is false. Denying leave to Sikh soldiers is also false. No such decision has been taken.
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