Delhi Police has identified more than 20 misleading videos being circulated as footage from a protest in Delhi, including old visuals from earlier demonstrations that were presented as events taking place on October 10. The police has appealed to the public not to forward social media content without verifying its authenticity.
According to a report by Jagran – New Delhi, videos from a July protest at Jantar Mantar and footage linked to the farmers’ movement were circulated with claims that they showed incidents from the latest demonstration. Some clips reportedly showed violence from an incident at Jantar Mantar on July 20 but were presented as current footage.
Delhi Police published fact-check material on social media to clarify the origin of several videos. In a post quoted in the report, the force contrasted the situation online with conditions on the ground and warned against the circulation of fake content. The police said misleading posts could create confusion among residents and risk disturbing the public order situation.
The latest identification follows an earlier protest during which Delhi Police had debunked 56 misleading videos, according to the report. The repeated use of old footage during public demonstrations highlights the operational challenge faced by law-enforcement agencies when unverified videos spread faster than official clarifications.
Police officials are also examining whether the circulation of the videos was part of a coordinated campaign. Investigators are checking if multiple accounts shared identical or similar material and whether the old clips were deliberately paired with a specific date to influence public perception of the protest.
The report said agencies are examining a possible role of handlers based in Pakistan or networks operating across the border. However, no foreign connection has been officially confirmed so far. The police investigation is expected to establish the identity and intent of those who circulated the videos, as well as whether the accounts were acting independently or as part of a coordinated network.
The incident places greater importance on timely, verifiable communication during demonstrations in densely populated urban areas. Misdated video footage can make it difficult for residents to distinguish between current events and archived material, while official clarifications must establish the location, date and context of each disputed clip.
Delhi Police has asked residents to verify the authenticity of videos and other social media posts before sharing them. The findings on the source, coordination and intent behind the circulation will become clearer after the investigation is completed.
