Is the letter from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to IAF chief fake?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The PIB has labeled the letter as fake.
- Citizens are urged to verify information before sharing.
- Misinformation poses risks to national security.
- Report dubious documents to the PIB Fact Check.
- Official sources should be the primary reference for accurate updates.
New Delhi, Nov 25 (NationPress) The Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check Unit has discredited a letter that has been widely shared on social media, allegedly authored by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed to IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
This fraudulent document purports that the Defence Minister voiced concerns regarding the public release of a sensitive assessment by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
In response to this misinformation, the PIB Fact Check has issued a warning through its official social media accounts.
"A letter is circulating on social media, supposedly issued by Union Defence Minister @rajnathsingh to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, regarding the public exposure of a sensitive IAF assessment. Please beware! This letter is fabricated!" the announcement read.
The PIB further cautioned the public against sharing unverified documents and highlighted the risks associated with misinformation, particularly in matters of national security.
"Refrain from disseminating unverified information and depend solely on official Government of India sources for reliable updates. Should you encounter any dubious documents related to the Government of India, report them to @PIBFactCheck," it continued.
This counterfeit letter, dated November 22 and marked "Personal Confidential", seems designed to falsely imply internal discord or worry within the defence community.
Officials emphasized that such attempts to mislead the public with fabricated communications are a grave concern, especially when they pertain to the nation’s armed forces.
The government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify content prior to sharing, noting that misinformation campaigns targeting the defence sector are increasingly prevalent.
Previously, the PIB Fact Check unit identified a viral video of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi as AI-generated and fraudulent. The manipulated footage misleadingly claimed that 50 percent of non-caste Hindu soldiers would be discharged from the Army by 2028.
The PIB Fact Check clarified that this video was disseminated by Pakistani propaganda accounts intending to mislead citizens and sow distrust against the Indian Armed Forces.
The government has repeatedly stated its commitment to taking all necessary measures to combat the spread of fake and misleading information using available statutory and institutional mechanisms.