FACT CHECK BY NEWSCHECKER:
Claim
Farmers vandalise the set-up for an event by Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini.
Fact
2021 video showing vandalism at an event by the then CM ML Khattar
A video circulating on social media, depicting a mob ransacking a makeshift structure, is being widely shared with claims that it is an attack on a Haryana BJP event. The text overlay in the video states, “The farmers plundered the tent set-up for Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s event.” However, Newschecker found that the video actually dates back to 2021 and shows vandalism at an event organised by the then Haryana Chief Minister.
Several X users shared the video during the Lok Sabha Elections, claiming, "Farmers are giving 400 seats to the BJP in Haryana. (Translated from Hindi)"
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Fact Check/Verification
Using Google Lens to analyse keyframes from the viral video directed us to a post on X by @PagdiSinger, posted on January 12, 2021. This post featured a shorter version of the video that was being circulated.
Further, upon closer examination of the viral footage, we noticed that the backdrop of the stage displayed the words "Kisan Mahapanchayat."
Using the clue provided, we conducted a search on Google for "Kisan Mahapanchayat," "stage," and "vandalised," which led us to a report by The Week dated January 10, 2021. The report featured similar images seen in the viral footage and stated, "Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has cancelled his ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ visit to Kaimla village, Karnal, after farmers protesting against the three farm bills vandalised the venue."
After comparing the image featured in The Week's report with the keyframes of the viral footage, it became evident that both depicted the same incident.
Additionally, we also found a video report by The Tribune dated January 10, 2021, which stated, “The police on Sunday fired tear gas shells and used water cannons to disperse farmers, who stormed the helipad and vandalised the stage, where Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was to address a ‘kisan mahapanchayat’ to highlight the “benefits” of Centre’s three agriculture laws.”
Adding, “However, farmers reached the venue and disrupted the CM’s programme. They damaged the stage and broke chairs, tables and flower pots at the venue. The programme was later cancelled. The farmers also took control over a makeshift helipad where the Chief Minister’s helicopter was to land.”
A comparison between the visuals seen in The Tribune's report and the keyframes of the viral video can be observed below.
Elaborating on the incident, a report by NDTV dated January 10, 2021, mentioned, "Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s meeting with farmers at a village near Karnal on Sunday afternoon had to be cancelled as his chopper was unable to land at the venue, with protesters raging on the ground below."
Adding, “Farmers protesting against the centre’s agri-sector reforms clashed with the police and the meeting venue was vandalised. Cellphone footage showed many of the protesters on the dais, throwing chairs, tearing up banners and posters.”
Several other outlets, like this, this and this, also covered the incident in January 2021.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence gathered, it can be concluded that the video from 2021 depicting protesting farmers vandalising the venue of a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' organised by the former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar has been circulated to falsely portray an attack on Nayab Singh Saini's event.
Result: False
Sources
X Post By @PagdiSinger, Dated January 12, 2021
Report By The Week, Dated January 10, 2021
YouTube Video By The Tribune, Dated January 10, 2021
(Disclaimer: This story was originally published by NEWSCHECKER, and republished by India TV as part of the Shakti Collective.)
