Fake Information Derailing Pahalgam Probe, Over 200 False Alarms Raised: Intel Sources

News18

03-05-2025

Last Updated:
The NIA investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack is facing hurdles due to various fake inputs and disinformation campaign run by Pakistan, sources said.
As the National Investigation Agency conducts its probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, the agency is having to battle Pakistan-linked fake information, which is derailing the investigations, intelligence sources told CNN-News18 on Saturday.
More than 200 fake alarms have been raised so far, forcing the NIA and the police to divert resources to verify false leads.
'These false alarms are delaying progress on genuine evidence like ballistic reports and eyewitness testimonies," sources said.
The NIA's forensic teams, tasked with analysing 40 cartridges and 3D crime-scene mapping of the Baisaran Valley where the killings took place, are under pressure due to hoax calls and verifying hoaxes.
Social media influencers are also playing a part in spoiling the atmosphere in the region, sources said, adding that two people from Bihar reached Lal Chowk in Srinagar and abused their community to create tension and gain followers.
'One social media influencer did a sting of a taxi driver and used cut and paste method to defame him. One social media influencer used the Sonemarg video in the name of Pahalgam to gain media attention," sources said.
A fake information network is also being run by Pakistan to shake people's faith in the Indian system.
Top intelligence sources said that the investigating agencies are flooded with false leads, and not checking them will be inappropriate at this time, when every tip-off is important.
'People are sending hoax claims, such as fake sightings of suspects, baseless links to individuals, and doctored evidence. Deepfake videos, like one showing a grieving widow dancing to mock the victims, were shared to incite communal tensions and distract investigators," they said.
Pro-Pakistan social media handles circulated fabricated leaked Indian Army documents, falsely alleging operational lapses. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has to fact-check these as part of a coordinated campaign to undermine trust in India's security apparatus.
Pakistani media have falsely claimed senior Indian military officials, including Lt. Gen. MV Suchindra Kumar, were dismissed post-attack.
'These lies aimed to portray India as unprepared, despite Kumar's pre-scheduled retirement," sources said.
A viral WhatsApp message urged citizens to donate Rs 1 daily for Army modernisation, exploiting public sentiment. Later, it was found that this fund exists for martyrs' families, not weapon procurement.
'Old videos of shelling, wildfires, and political protests were falsely linked to the attack. For instance, a 2023 clip of Pakistani security forces clashing with Imran Khan supporters was mislabeled as Indian checkpoints being destroyed. A staged video in Agra falsely linked a Muslim waiter's murder to revenge for Pahalgam, and this triggered threats against Kashmiri students across India and traders," sources said.
On the other hand, Pakistani media like Dawn News and ARY News amplified false claims, including labeling the attack a false flag operation by India. APT36, a Pakistan-linked hacking group, launched phishing attacks using fake domains like jkpolice.gov.in.kashmirattack.exposed.
First Published:
May 03, 2025, 23:59 IST