Delhi Police debunks viral 'sub-inspector quit to join protest' video
Synopsis
Delhi Police has called out a viral video in which a man falsely claimed to be a sub-inspector who quit to join the Jantar Mantar student protests — with no matching record found in police files. More strikingly, intelligence teams have flagged over 400 Pakistani social media accounts, several active during Operation Sindoor, as part of a coordinated misinformation drive targeting the ongoing unrest.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police on 24 July officially declared a viral video — in which a man claims to be a sub-inspector who resigned to join the Jantar Mantar students' protest — as false and misleading.
Police records show no Sub-Inspector matching the details claimed in the video exists in Delhi Police rolls.
Strict legal action has been warned against those creating, circulating, or amplifying the fake content.
Intelligence teams have identified more than 400 Pakistani social media accounts spreading false narratives about the situation in India.
Many of these accounts were reportedly active during Operation Sindoor , suggesting a pattern of coordinated foreign interference.
Authorities are blocking the flagged accounts and have urged the public to rely only on official information.
Delhi Police on Friday, 24 July officially debunked a widely circulated social media video in which a man falsely claimed to be a Delhi Police sub-inspector who had resigned from service to join the ongoing students' protest at Jantar Mantar. The force confirmed that no record of any such resignation exists in its personnel database.
The False Claim and Delhi Police's Rebuttal
In a formal clarification published on its official website, Delhi Police stated: 'A video is being circulated on social media in which an individual claims to be a Delhi Police sub-inspector who had recently resigned from service to join the ongoing protest. The claim is false.'
The force added that 'verification of Delhi Police records has found no Sub-Inspector matching the details claimed in the video,' describing the content as 'false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation.' The individual featured in the video is, according to police, not a Delhi Police personnel.
Strict Legal Action Warned
Delhi Police issued a firm warning to those involved in amplifying the video, stating that 'strict legal action will be taken against those found creating, circulating, or amplifying such fake content.' The public has been advised to rely solely on official communications from the force and to refrain from sharing unverified claims on social media platforms.
Pakistan-Linked Accounts Identified, Being Blocked
In a related and significant development, Delhi Police accused Pakistan of exploiting the current situation in India through a coordinated misinformation campaign on social media. A police official issued a warning via a video message posted on Instagram, highlighting the role of foreign-backed accounts in spreading divisive content.
Intelligence teams have reportedly identified more than 400 Pakistani social media accounts actively disseminating false narratives, and steps have been initiated to block them across platforms. Notably, many of these accounts were previously active during Operation Sindoor, indicating what authorities describe as a pattern of repeated interference.
'Pakistan is taking advantage of the current situation in India,' the officer said, adding that the accounts are exploiting sensitive issues by posting manipulated videos, unverified claims, and inflammatory content. 'Their sole objective is to incite trouble,' the official stated.
Broader Context: Misinformation Around Student Protests
The students' protest at Jantar Mantar has drawn significant public attention, making it a target for misinformation actors seeking to inflame public sentiment. This is not the first time fabricated claims of police or government personnel 'defecting' to join protest movements have circulated online in India — a tactic that authorities say is designed to undermine institutional credibility.
The incident underscores the growing challenge of synthetic and manipulated content during periods of civil unrest. Authorities have urged citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing.
What Happens Next
Delhi Police has indicated that the identified 400-plus Pakistani accounts are in the process of being blocked, and legal proceedings against domestic creators and circulators of the fake video are reportedly under consideration. The force is expected to issue further updates as investigations progress.
Point of View
Several of which were active during Operation Sindoor. That pattern suggests a standing infrastructure for information warfare that activates during periods of domestic tension in India, not a spontaneous reaction. What mainstream coverage risks underplaying is the domestic amplification side: foreign accounts gain traction only when Indian users share the content. The legal warnings targeting circulators, not just creators, signal that authorities are aware of this dynamic — though how aggressively those warnings are enforced will determine whether they act as a genuine deterrent or remain performative.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Delhi Police say about the viral sub-inspector protest video?
Delhi Police declared the video false, stating that verification of its records found no Sub-Inspector matching the details claimed. The force described the video as a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and warned of strict legal action against those sharing it.
Is the man in the viral video actually a Delhi Police sub-inspector?
No. Delhi Police has confirmed that the individual in the video is not a Delhi Police personnel and that no record of any such resignation exists in its official database.
What action is Delhi Police taking against those spreading the fake video?
Delhi Police has warned that strict legal action will be taken against those found creating, circulating, or amplifying the fake content. The public has been advised to rely only on official police communications.
What is the link between Pakistani social media accounts and the Jantar Mantar protests?
Delhi Police intelligence teams have identified more than 400 Pakistani social media accounts allegedly spreading false narratives about the ongoing situation in India. Authorities say many of these accounts were also active during Operation Sindoor, pointing to a pattern of repeated interference during sensitive periods.
What should the public do to avoid spreading misinformation?
Delhi Police has urged the public not to believe or share unverified information and to rely only on official updates issued by the force. Sharing fake content, even without intent, could attract legal consequences under the warnings issued.
