An image has been circulated widely with the claim that it was published in a newspaper in Europe. The cartoon shows the Marvel superhero Spiderman stopping a bus about to run over a child crossing a street. It has been shared with the caption, “Cartoon published in a newspaper in Europe. ..पर हम नहीं समझेंगे कभी” .

As can be seen, in the image, Spiderman is identified with PM Narendra Modi, and the child crossing the street is identified with India. The bus is marked as ‘Congress, Mamta benerjee, China/Pakistan, Rohingya/Bangladeshi and ISIS/Khalistan’. It may be noted that the caricature has been circulated in the context of the recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), claiming that a newspaper in Europe has published this cartoon which shows PM Narendra Modi in a positive light.

Alt News has received several requests on the official app for verification of this information which claims that this cartoon had appeared in a newspaper in Europe.

The same has been posted on Facebook.

FACT CHECK: IT IS A MEME

The accompanying claim is false. The image circulated on WhatsApp is a meme. It has been created on the basis of a popular template frequently used by meme-makers. Posted below is an image which shows how this meme has been used in various contexts.

 

The meme is available online and can be customised as per user needs.

Moreover, Alt News could not find a single report in a European newspaper which had published this image. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s name is also spelt incorrectly as – ‘Mamta Benerjee’.

The claim circulated on WhatsApp and social media is false.

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About the Author

Arjun Sidharth is a writer with Alt News. He has previously worked in the television news industry, where he managed news bulletins and breaking news scenarios, apart from scripting numerous prime time television stories. He has also been actively involved with various freelance projects. Sidharth has studied economics, political science, international relations and journalism. He has a keen interest in books, movies, music, sports, politics, foreign policy, history and economics. His hobbies include reading, watching movies and indoor gaming.