PIB Fact Check Unit Exposes Wave of Fake ‘Fidayeen’ and Propaganda Posts

The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit on Thursday night refuted multiple social media claims, including reports of a “fidayeen” (suicide) attack on an Indian Army brigade in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. The unit also warned against “Pakistan-sponsored propaganda” and urged users to rely solely on official Government of India sources.

In a post on X, the PIB Fact Check unit stated:

“#Fake_news is circulating about a ‘fidayeen’ attack on an Army brigade in #Rajouri, #Jammu and #Kashmir. No such suicide attack has occurred on any army cantonment.”

🚨 #Fake_news is circulating about a "fidayeen" attack on an Army brigade in #Rajouri, #Jammu and #Kashmir.#PIBFactCheck:

▶️ No such #fidayeen or suicide attack has occurred on any army cantt.

⚠️ Do not fall for these false claims intended to #mislead and cause confusion. pic.twitter.com/x8Az5tigUO

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2025

The clarification follows an attempted drone-missile strike by Pakistan on Jammu airport on Thursday evening, which prompted blackouts across several northern cities.

PIB Hotline for Reporting Dubious Content

To combat misinformation, the Fact Check unit released a dedicated WhatsApp number and email address for the public to report questionable posts concerning the Indian Armed Forces or ongoing security developments. In its advisory, the unit cautioned:

“In the coming days your social media will be flooded with #Pakistan sponsored propaganda. Scrutinize every piece of information carefully. Report dubious content to #PIBFactCheck.”

In the coming days your social media will be flooded with #Pakistan sponsored propaganda.

It's crucial to scrutinize every piece of information carefully.

If you encounter dubious content, especially concerning the Indian Armed Forces or any info related to ongoing situation,… pic.twitter.com/YomXZUKmpH

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2025

Other Debunked Claims

Beirut Explosion Video: A viral clip purportedly showing a recent Pakistani missile strike on India was identified as footage from the 2020 Beirut explosion.

Airport Entry Ban: Posts alleging a nationwide ban on airport entry were confirmed as false; no such government order exists.

🛑 Fake News Alert

Social media posts are claiming that entry to airports across India banned#PIBFactCheck:

❌ This claim is #FAKE

✅ Government has taken no such decision pic.twitter.com/MoaUcQqO2d

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2025

Fake COAS Letter: A forged letter claiming that Chief of the Army Staff General V K Narayan had circulated a confidential military-preparedness memo was debunked—General Narayan does not hold that position.

Ambala–Amritsar Attack: Claims that the Indian military used Ambala Airbase to bomb Amritsar civilians were dismissed as baseless; official statements confirm only terrorist infrastructure was targeted.

⚠️Pakistan Propaganda Alert

Several Pakistan-based handles are circulating an #old image that claims that a Pakistani missile has hit an Indian S-400#PIBFactCheck

✔️The image being shared is from 2023, of a fire at a military site in Moscow

🔗https://t.co/kcgY8vtCia pic.twitter.com/Pmo7U9KXJr

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2025

Battal Sector Strike: A video alleging that 12 Indian soldiers were killed in Pakistan Army attacks in the Battal Sector was traced to footage from August 2011 and a 2016 news report.

“20 Raj Battalion” Destroyed: A staged video claiming destruction of a non-existent “20 Raj Battalion” post was labelled part of a coordinated misinformation campaign.

Alert 🚨

A fake video shared by Pakistani handles claims the Indian Post was destroyed by the #PakistaniArmy.

🔍#PIBFactCheck:
❌ Claim is completely false
❌ No unit called “20 Raj Battalion” exists in the #IndianArmy

✅ Video is staged propaganda to mislead and create panic. pic.twitter.com/xVQYBCnMPQ

— PIB in Chandigarh (@PIBChandigarh) May 8, 2025

The PIB’s corrective measures aim to safeguard public perception and morale during a period of heightened Indo-Pak tensions. The bureau reiterated that accurate and timely information can only be obtained from official Government of India channels.