Recently, a video of an Ambedkar statue being desecrated has been circulating widely on social media platforms. It is being claimed that Muslims in Kerala were responsible for damaging the statue of Bhimrao Ambedkar with their swords. Users sharing the clip are asking, “Where are those people who shout the slogans of ‘Jai Bhim’ and ‘Jai Meem’?” (Archive link)

Several users on Facebook also posted the link with the same claim. (1, 2, 3, 4)

Fact-check

A reverse image search of a still from the video led us to a few news reports from August 2019. They reveal that the video is originally from Tamil Nadu where a statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was vandalized after a clash between two groups. A video report by the Free Press Journal dated August 26, 2019, contains some scenes from the viral video.

According to reports, the clash was between two caste groups.

Thus, a video showing the aftermath of a caste-related clash that took place in Tamil Nadu two years ago was falsely shared as recent while targeting the Muslim community of Kerala.

About the Author

She specializes in information verification, examining mis/disinformation, social media monitoring and platform accountability. Her aim is to make the internet a safer place and enable people to become informed social media users. She has been a part of Alt News since 2018.