Moradabad, July 24, 2025: In a significant development in Western Uttar Pradesh, the Muzaffarnagar police have arrested seven individuals, including a student, for allegedly circulating a video from Pakistan, falsely claiming it depicted an incident in Moradabad. The video, which was part of a conspiracy to incite communal unrest, was spread through WhatsApp groups with a fabricated narrative accusing members of Bajrang Dal of attacking Muslims, including women and children, in Moradabad. The arrests were made following an investigation into the spread of this inflammatory content aimed at disrupting peace in the region.
According to posts found on X, the accused, identified as Mohammad Nadeem, Mohammad Mansher, Mohammad Rahis, and four others, were apprehended for their role in sharing the misleading video. The video, originally depicting a violent incident in Pakistan, was manipulated with a voice-over falsely claiming it showed communal violence perpetrated by Bajrang Dal in Moradabad. Authorities have described this as a deliberate attempt to provoke communal tensions and destabilize the region, particularly during the sensitive period of the Kanwar Yatra.
The Uttar Pradesh police acted swiftly after receiving credible information about the circulation of the video. The arrests were made under relevant sections of the law, including charges related to spreading false information and attempting to incite communal violence. The police have also warned of strict action against those involved in such "cyber jihad" activities, emphasizing the need to curb misinformation that threatens social harmony.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation and its potential to fuel communal unrest. The circulation of the fake video was not merely a rumor but part of a calculated effort to malign specific communities and organizations, according to local authorities. The police are continuing their investigation to identify any additional individuals or networks involved in this conspiracy.
This case comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, as evidenced by recent events such as the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people and was linked to Pakistan-backed terrorists. The spread of such misleading content underscores the need for vigilance against attempts to exploit social media and messaging platforms for divisive agendas.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and other agencies are closely monitoring similar activities, especially in border areas, to prevent further attempts to disrupt peace. The public has been urged to verify information before sharing and to report suspicious content to the authorities immediately.