Is the Sukhoi Shot Down in Muzaffarabad? PIB Debunks Claims
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On May 9, the Indian government refuted claims from Pakistani social media alleging the downing of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI in Muzaffarabad. The Press Information Bureau confirmed that the images shared were outdated and unrelated to current events. This article delves into the misinformation spread by Pakistani media and the PIB's efforts to ensure factual reporting.
Key Takeaways
- The PIB debunked false claims regarding the downing of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
- Images circulated were from a 2014 incident.
- A video falsely representing a Pakistani attack was actually from a video game.
- Fact-checking helps combat misinformation.
- Verify news before sharing to ensure accuracy.
New Delhi, May 9 (NationPress) The Indian government categorically dismissed claims circulating on Pakistani social media that a Sukhoi Su-30MKI was downed in Muzaffarabad, leading to the capture of an Indian pilot.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checked these reports, revealing that the image being shared by Pakistani sources was indeed fabricated and taken from a news article dating back 11 years.
According to the PIB, the image in question depicts an incident involving the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi SU-30MKI that crashed at Undre Vasti in Kulwadi village, near the Pune-Ahmed Nagar highway in Maharashtra, on October 14, 2014.
A post on social media platform X stated, “Fake News Alert: Pakistani social media is falsely claiming that a Sukhoi Su-30MKI was shot down in Muzaffarabad, with an Indian pilot captured. #PIBFactCheck This aircraft from the Indian Air Force crashed at Undre Vasti in Kulwadi village, Maharashtra on October 14, 2014.”
The PIB also attached the original news report, which clearly shows the image being misused.
In a separate incident, the PIB highlighted a video falsely promoted as a real Pakistani attack on India, warning it was a Pakistan propaganda alert.
This video, which was widely shared, purportedly depicts a barrage from Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) as a genuine assault on India. However, the fact-check confirmed that it actually originates from a video game.
The PIB's post on X read, “Pakistan Propaganda Alert! A video illustrating a heavy MLRS barrage is being misleadingly circulated as a real Pakistani attack on India. #PIBFactCheck This clip is from a video game and has been online for over three years.”
The PIB emphasized that the content had no relevance to the current situation between India and Pakistan, along with a link to the original clip.
Additionally, PIB fact-checkers have exposed several other viral claims as fraudulent.
One such false claim involved an image on social media suggesting an explosion at the Jammu Air Force base, which was debunked by the PIB.
The PIB identified this image as originating from a blast at Kabul airport on August 21. In a post on X, PIB Fact Check stated, “Explosion at Jammu Air Force Base? Here’s the truth! An outdated image is being shared with misleading claims of multiple explosions at the Jammu Air Force Base in India. #PIBFactCheck This image is from the Kabul Airport explosion in August 2021.”
The PIB provided the original report for reference.
The PIB fact-checking unit also clarified numerous videos and images currently circulating are not connected to the ongoing military situation.
Earlier, PIB debunked a widely shared video claiming to show Pakistani attacks on Hazira Port in Gujarat and a drone strike in Jalandhar.
The PIB stated that the Hazira Port video was unrelated, depicting an oil tanker explosion from July 7, 2021, misrepresented by Pakistan as their attack on the port.
Another widely circulated video alleged to show the aftermath of a drone attack in Jalandhar was clarified by PIB Fact Check as being an unrelated farm fire.
The PIB stated, “Drone Attack in Jalandhar. This drone strike video from #Jalandhar is widely circulating on social media #PIBFactCheck This is an unrelated video of a farm fire, with the timestamp showing 7:39 PM, while the alleged drone attack occurred later.”
Following India's extensive cross-border strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, a surge of misinformation and false narratives has emerged from across the border, propagated by influencers and government-backed media.
Numerous videos and images have already been debunked by the PIB since India’s military actions commenced on May 7.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach these claims with skepticism, ensuring that the public receives accurate information. The ongoing conflict demands responsible communication, and it is our duty to combat misinformation, supporting national security while maintaining the trust of the citizens.
NationPress
21/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the claim made by Pakistani social media?
Pakistani social media claimed that an Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI was shot down in Muzaffarabad and that an Indian pilot was captured.
What did the PIB conclude about the images shared?
The PIB concluded that the images being circulated were fake and taken from a news report from 2014.
Is the video depicting MLRS attacks real?
No, the PIB confirmed that the video is from a video game and not a real attack.
How does the PIB ensure information accuracy?
The PIB conducts thorough fact checks and provides clarifications on misleading information circulating on social media.
What should people do before sharing information?
The PIB advises individuals to verify information before sharing to prevent the spread of misinformation.
