A few drones were spotted in the skies over Jalandhar, but they were neutralised by Indian forces. Soon after, a video was shared on social media with the claim that the drone attack had caused a massive fire in Jalandar. The video was amplified without fact-checking, with many downloading and sharing the video, and others liking and reposting it. However, PIB’s Fact Check unit, which has been quite active since Operation Sindoor against Pakistan to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, has debunked the viral claim. It clarified that the video is UNRELATED to the recent incident. 

Fact Check: ‘Drone attack in Jalandhar?’

“Drone attack in Jalandhar? This drone strike video from Jalandhar is widely circulating on social media,” it wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) while sharing a video. 

It added, “This is an unrelated video of a farm fire. The video has the time 7:39 PM, while the drone attack began later.”

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“Do not share this video,” it further urged social media users. 

PIB Fact Check found the viral claim to be FALSE. 

‘UNRELATED video of drone attack’: DC Jalandhar

Not only PIB, but the Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar also debunked the viral video. 

“This is an unrelated video,” he said in a statement on Facebook. 

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The Deputy Commissioner added, “Jalandhar has seen some drones tonight and they are being neutralised by the Army. This video is at 7.39 pm, as can be seen in the display, while the first drone was sighted near 9 pm. This has been confirmed as a farm fire,” before urging people not to circulate the video. 

In a separate post, he wrote, “All drones have been neutralised at 11.20 pm in Jalandhar as per official sources.”

He also said that electricity in all the areas will be restored, but urged people to observe a voluntary blackout. “Blackouts are being ended in some areas providing emergency services, but it’s also asked that outside lights, that may have lights out, be turned off. Electric appliances in the house should be used as needed.”

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Exercise caution, don’t fall for viral social media claims

“In the coming days, your social media will be flooded with Pakistan-sponsored propaganda. It’s crucial to scrutinise every piece of information carefully,” PIB Fact Check said in a statement. 

It added, “A coordinated misinformation campaign is being waged by Pakistani social media. Their objective is to sow mistrust, confusion and panic in India. Do not fall prey to deliberately spread misinformation.”

“Stay alert, stay vigilant,” it further said.