A video showing drone footage of building rooftops, captured by Ranchi Police, has sparked false communal allegations on social media platforms. The footage circulated with misleading captions, falsely claiming that Muslim houses in Ranchi stocked stones on rooftops to attack Ram Navami processions. Ranchi Police has refuted these claims, clarifying that the bricks were for construction purposes, and notices were issued to both Hindu and Muslim building owners.
Sreenshot of a video showing drone footage of building rooftops, captured by Ranchi Police.
Security measures amid Ram Navami
With Ram Navami scheduled for April 17, 2024, Ranchi Police have intensified security arrangements following instances of communal clashes reported last year. A video, shared by various verified handles, triggered false communal narratives, prompting responses from right-wing figures and media outlets.
Clarifications and denials
Ranchi Police, in response to the viral video, emphasised the routine nature of drone surveillance for procession routes. They rebuked sensational headlines and reaffirmed that there was no communal or conspiracy angle to the incident. The police also urged news outlets to refrain from spreading baseless sensationalism.
Screenshot of Ranchi police reaffirming that there was no communal or conspiracy angle.
Authorities’ statement
SP Chandan Kumar Singh of Ranchi Police underscored the administrative nature of drone monitoring and reiterated that the exercise had no communal implications. Both Hindu and Muslim building owners were instructed to remove construction materials from rooftops. Additionally, Ranchi Police have been actively sharing updates on security measures for Ram Navami to ensure public safety.
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