ANI faces backlash for sharing fake news on attack on Hindus in Bangladesh
New Delhi: A video shared by ANI, South Asia's leading news agency, has sparked outrage for spreading misinformation.
The video, initially shared by ANI, has been shared by others later on claiming that a "helpless Hindu father" is pleading for justice for his missing son in Bangladesh.
However, the man in the video, who is seen wearing a skull cap in others photos holding a photo of his son named Mohammad Suny Hawlader, is actually a Muslim.
The protest seen in the video involved several Muslim families demanding justice for their missing relatives. After being called out for the false narrative, ANI deleted the video, but it had already been picked up by right-wing accounts and other media outlets that rely on ANI's feed.
This fake news was first shared by @smitaprakash' s @ANI which they later deleted after getting called out. The video with misleading caption is now shared by Right wing accounts and other media outlets who rely on ANI feed. The man with a skull cap with a photo of his missing… https://t.co/ifa6Qa9JYt pic.twitter.com/rCGjX0JkX3
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) August 13, 2024
Netizens have questioned how a reputed news agency like ANI could fail to verify the facts before sharing such a sensitive story. While the misleading video has been removed, its impact continues to spread across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, perpetuating the false narrative.
South Asia's leading news agency couldn't verify a news properly before sharing it?
— TIND Posting (@tindposting) August 14, 2024
I DON'T BELIEVE THAT
Imagine it got busted here but the news will continue showing on facebook and Instagram feeds.
WhatsApp university would have published a book by now.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Gautam Singhania injured, 2 Indians missing in speedboat accident in Maldives
Male (PTI): Raymond Group Chairman & Managing Director Gautam Hari Singhania has sustained injuries, while two Indian nationals are reported missing after a speedboat capsized near Felidhoo island in the Maldives, according to local media reports.
There were seven people on board at the time of the incident near Vaavu atoll early Friday morning. Two women – a British national and a Russian national - and five Indian men were on board, the Edition.mv reported.
Police said five people fell into the sea when the vessel overturned, including the Russian woman and four Indian men.
Singhania, 60, who was among the tourists, has been rescued.
Citing police, news portal Adhadhu reported that he sustained minor injuries in the accident. He was discharged from the hospital after treatment, it added.
"The two missing persons are Indian nationals," police said, adding that search operations are on.
"The speedboat belongs to his yacht, TT Ashena. The Maldivian Coast Guard is still looking for two people who went missing in the accident," Adhadhu reported.
Citing sources, it said that the vessel involved in the accident was a Cigarette racing boat designed to be driven at high speeds.
Maldives National Defence Force's Male Area Command Coast Guard Second Squadron is searching for the missing individuals. The incident occurred about two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo, MNDF said.
