Mohammed Zubair calls out Amit Malviya for sharing fake claim on Rahul Gandhi selfie
Lucknow, July 15 – A photograph of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi taken inside a Lucknow courtroom has sparked a wave of misinformation, after BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya and others falsely claimed that the man taking a selfie with Gandhi was the judge hearing his case. The man in the image has now been identified as Advocate Syed Mahmood Hasan, not a member of the judiciary.
The image was taken on Tuesday at the Special MP-MLA Court in Lucknow, where Rahul Gandhi appeared in connection with a 2018 defamation case filed by BJP leader Vijay Mishra. The case relates to remarks Gandhi allegedly made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the hearing, Special Judge H.R. Yadav granted him bail.
After the proceedings, several people including lawyers took photos with Gandhi inside the court premises. One of those images, featuring Advocate Syed Mahmood Hasan taking a selfie, was shared by multiple social media users — including BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya — who falsely claimed the man was the judge presiding over the case.
The misleading narrative raised serious concerns about judicial impartiality, and was widely amplified by IT cell accounts and influencers. However, the claim was swiftly debunked by fact-checkers and media outlets.
Fact-checker Mohammed Zubair of Alt News took to X (formerly Twitter) to counter the misinformation. Sharing screenshots of Malviya’s tweet, Zubair wrote:
"BJP IT cell head @amitmalviya deleted this tweet after it was pointed out that he was an advocate Syed Mahmood Hasan and not a Judge. Other IT cell members are yet to delete."
BJP IT cell head @amitmalviya deleted this tweet after it was pointed out that he was an advocate Syed Mahmood Hasan and not a Judge. Other IT cell members are yet to delete. pic.twitter.com/YLi8g76c0b
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) July 15, 2025
Advocate Syed Mahmood Hasan, a resident of Barabanki and practicing lawyer at the Lucknow District Court since 2006, also clarified his identity. “I had gone to meet Rahul Gandhi. I am not a judge, I am just a lawyer,” he told local media. “I admire him and simply took a selfie, like many others present.”
Legal experts and civil society members have criticised the deliberate spread of such false claims, pointing out the damage it causes to public trust in judicial institutions. The court's bail order, passed by Judge H.R. Yadav, had no connection to the viral photograph or the advocate involved.
Despite the clarification and Malviya deleting his tweet, many others from BJP's digital ecosystem continue to circulate the misleading post without correction.
Critics say this incident is part of a larger pattern of political disinformation and underlines the need for stronger moderation and accountability on social media platforms.
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Karnataka ex-MLA, a doctor, saves life of American co-passenger mid air
Bengaluru (PTI): A Karnataka ex-MLA, Anjali Nimbalkar, a doctor by profession, has saved the life of an American woman passenger, who suffered a medical emergency mid-air during a Goa–New Delhi flight, official sources said on Sunday.
The incident happened when Nimbalkar, AICC secretary co-incharge of Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli, was travelling to Delhi to attend the "Vote Chori" rally organised by Congress at Ramleela Maidan on Sunday, they added.
Nimbalkar performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and revived the co-passenger, who complained of uneasiness and shivering, fainted and lost her pulse, they said.
Nimbalkar reportedly remained by the patient’s side for the entire duration of the flight, constantly paying attention to her medical needs and comforting her.
Soon after landing at Delhi, the unwell foreign passenger was shifted to a hospital by an ambulance, sources said, adding that Nimbalkar's timely action received praise from passengers and crew members.
Lauding Nimbalkar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a post on 'X' said, "Deeply moved and incredibly proud to hear about the remarkable presence of mind and compassion shown by former Khanapur MLA Dr Anjali Nimbalkar during a Goa–New Delhi flight. When an American woman suffered a medical emergency mid-air, Dr Anjali instantly rose to the occasion and administered timely CPR, saving a precious life."
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What makes this even more inspiring is that, despite having stepped away from her medical profession and being actively engaged in politics, the doctor within her responded without a second thought, he said, adding that "this selfless act reflects not just professional expertise, but a profound sense of humanity, service, and responsibility toward fellow beings."
"Whether in power or not, leaders like Dr Anjali Nimbalkar stand as shining examples of true public service—always ready to help, without expecting anything in return. Such individuals set a powerful standard for society and remind us of the true meaning of leadership," he further added.
Thanking the CM, Nimbalkar said, she has done her duty as a Doctor.
"It (is) also my job and duty as a doctor to serve in this capacity whenever required. Means a lot coming from you, who himself is an example of social commitment," she said in a post on 'X', replying to the CM.
