Breaking News: No Indian Pilot (Shivani Singh) Captured by Pakistan
False Claims Debunked: IAF Pilot Shivani Singh Safe
The Indian government has emphatically denied a viral social media claim alleging that Squadron Leader Shivani Singh, a female pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), was captured by Pakistani authorities. The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit swiftly addressed the misinformation, stating that the reports are completely false.
Pro-Pakistan Accounts Spread Rumors
The false claims, widely circulated by pro-Pakistan social media handles and pages, originated shortly after tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following Indian air strikes on terror camps across the border. These posts fueled anxieties and spread confusion amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.
PIB Confirms: No Pilot Captured, No Ejection Over PoK
The PIB Fact Check unit not only debunked the claim about Squadron Leader Singh but also addressed another circulating rumor: that an Indian pilot ejected from a fighter jet over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Both claims were definitively labeled as false by the government.
Second Major Misinformation Debunked in Recent Days
This marks the second significant instance of the PIB debunking viral misinformation in recent days. Previously, they had also refuted a claim that Pakistan had destroyed India’s S-400 air defense system, highlighting the government’s commitment to countering the spread of false information.
Call for Caution and Information Verification
In light of these incidents, the PIB has urged the public to exercise extreme caution while consuming and sharing online content. They emphasize the importance of relying on official sources and avoiding the spread of unverified information that could incite panic or contribute to misinformation.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a broader advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant against fake news and panic-inducing messages. MeitY stresses the need for cybersecurity precautions and responsible online behavior.
Reassurance for the Public
The Indian government’s swift and clear response to these false claims serves as a reassurance to the public. It underscores their commitment to transparency and accuracy in information dissemination, especially during times of heightened tension.
