Muslim man objects to Indian flag on his roadside stall? No, it’s a scripted video

A video circulating on social media shows a group of people attempting to place the Indian flag on a coconut vendor’s stall on Independence Day. In the video, a fruit vendor, who is seen wearing a cap commonly associated with Islamic attire, is shown objecting to them placing the flag on his stall. The vendor repeatedly uses the word “Bhaijaan”. Alongside the fruit vendor, a woman wearing a hijab is also present. This video is being shared with claims that Muslims have an issue with the Indian flag.

Ajay Chauhan, who shares communal misinformation and propaganda on a regular basis, shared the video, writing, “Forget about the saffron flag, do they not want the Indian tricolour now?” (Archived link)

भगवा तो दूर की बात अब इन्हें तिरंगा भी नहीं चाहिए ? pic.twitter.com/P2xtCr0p06

— हम लोग We The People 🇮🇳 (@ajaychauhan41) August 18, 2024

An account named “Trunicle” shared the video with the caption, “This Muslim man objects to putting the Indian flag on his premises.” The tweet was later deleted. (Archived link)

Sadhvi Prachi, a leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, shared the video, questioning the patriotism of the Muslim community. (Archived link)

Fact Check

A keyword search led us to a longer version of this video on a YouTube channel named “Ritik Kataria,” uploaded on August 14, 2023. Upon viewing the full video, it becomes clear that this channel produces scripted content.

The video in question was created with the intention of spreading awareness, emphasising that the national flag should be placed at the highest position. The video depicts a staged argument between the vendor and the customers, followed by the appearance of a person dressed in a police uniform. The video concludes by revealing that the Indian flag was already present at a higher place above the stall. At the end, the person in the police uniform extends Independence Day greetings on behalf of Haryana Police.

The person portraying the Muslim vendor is actually an actor named Ritik Kataria. The individual dressed as a policeman, identified by the nameplate reading “Amar Kataria,” is also related to the channel. A look at the channel’s “About” section confirms that it is run by Ritik Kataria, and it mentions that his father, Amar Kataria, is a sub-inspector in Haryana Police with a keen interest in acting. The channel’s username (@amarkataria) also reflects this connection.

Furthermore, Alt News reviewed another video on this channel, where Amar Kataria can be seen acting in a police uniform in similar scripted content.

To sum it up, several users have shared a scripted video, originally intended to spread awareness, in a misleading context, falsely questioning the patriotism of Indian Muslims.