#FactCheck- Doctored Audio in News18 Video Fuels False ‘Operation Sindoor’ Claim
Executive Summary
A video clip bearing the logo of News18 is being widely shared on social media with the claim that a serving Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked in Delhi by an RSS-supporting mob for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.” The clip features an anchor allegedly explaining the motive behind the assault. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The viral video has been digitally manipulated, with its audio altered to include misleading information.
Claim
An X user (@Mohammad776157) shared a video clip from Network18 on April 13, claiming that a serving Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked in Delhi by an RSS-supporting mob for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.”
- https://x.com/Mohammad776157/status/2043691737609347166?s=20
- https://archive.ph/5EpbJ
To verify the claim, we extracted multiple keyframes from the viral video using the InVid tool and conducted reverse image searches via Google Lens. The same clip was found circulating across several social media platforms with similar claims.
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/2397972117364665
- https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXE4FFdjcnq/
- https://archive.ph/hjG3b
- https://archive.ph/9IkTY
Fact Check
Since the video carried the News18 logo, we examined the outlet’s official social media handles. We found the original video on its X account, where the visuals matched the viral clip. However, a detailed analysis of the original footage showed that the anchor never stated that the brigadier and his son were attacked for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.”
In the authentic version, the anchor reported that the assault took place in Delhi’s Vasant Enclave after the brigadier objected to two individuals consuming alcohol inside a car parked outside his residence. This clearly indicates that the audio in the viral clip was tampered with to insert a false narrative.
For further verification, we extracted the audio segment from the viral clip and analysed it using Resemble AI. The tool indicated that the portion describing the motive behind the attack had been digitally manipulated.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false. The video has been altered by modifying its audio to mislead viewers. In reality, the assault was not related to “Operation Sindoor” but occurred after the brigadier objected to public drinking near his residence.
Related Blogs
Introduction
For most of us, UPI is part of daily routine: scan a QR code for chai, send money to family, split a bill, or pay a shopkeeper in seconds. That convenience is exactly why a message saying “UPI charges are coming” can cause confusion. Scammers can use that uncertainty through fake calls, WhatsApp messages, payment links, or edited screenshots. This blog keeps the topic simple: what MDR means, which UPI payments remain free, how scammers misuse the word “fee”, and what a reader should do when a payment request does not look right.
News in Focus: Why the “UPI Charge” Headline Needs Context
On 15 September 2026, the Ministry of Finance clarified the revised UPI framework. From 15 October 2026, a 0.4% MDR will apply to specified P2M transactions above ₹2,000, subject to the published conditions and caps. P2P transfers remain free, payments to merchants up to ₹2,000 remain free, and the government states that MDR is an ecosystem charge, not a customer fee. Banks are to ensure it is not passed on to customers. [1]
So, What Does This Mean for an Everyday User?
The important distinction is between a legitimate MDR rule and a scammer’s request for money. A message saying “pay ₹99 to release your UPI transaction” is not made genuine by mentioning NPCI, a bank, a government notice, or a news report.
A Related Cyber-Fraud Headline: Do Not Mix Two Different Issues
The supplied newspaper clipping discusses a separate cyber-fraud issue involving suspicious transactions and bank accounts linked to cybercrime. It is useful context, but it should not be read as proof that ordinary UPI users must pay a special “verification” or “release” fee. Separating the two issues helps prevent panic and misinformation.
Where Scammers Use the Confusion
“Pay a small fee to receive money”
A simple red flag is the demand for an upfront fee: “Your refund is ready, pay a processing fee first.” NPCI warns that scanning a QR code and entering a UPI PIN is for making a payment, not for receiving money or cashback. [2]
Fake payment success screens
Another common trick targets merchants: a fraudster shows a convincing “Payment Successful” screenshot and collects goods before the seller checks the account. In August 2026, Delhi Police reported a case involving allegedly fake or manipulated Paytm/UPI screenshots, followed by an attempt to gain access to victims’ mobile phones. [3] In September, police in Jharsuguda and Basti reported similar fake-confirmation cases; the Basti case involved a fabricated SBI YONO screenshot. [4][5]
“Your UPI is blocked because of new charges”
Scammers also borrow the language of genuine policy announcements. The caller creates urgency, claims your account is restricted, and asks you to install an app, share an OTP, approve a collect request, or transfer a small amount “for verification”. A real headline does not make an unexpected payment request genuine.
The Five-Second UPI Safety Check
Puse Before You Pay
WHO is asking? WHAT exactly are they asking you to do? WHERE did the payment request appear? WHEN did the request arrive? WHY would you need to pay to receive money? Verify the transaction in your own bank or UPI app. Merchants should not rely on a screenshot shown by a customer. Customers should not treat a QR code, collect request, or incoming message as proof that they are “receiving” money. Read the final authorisation screen before entering the UPI PIN. NPCI says users should never share the PIN and that bank customer support will not ask for it. [6]
If You Think You Have Been Scammed
- Stop engaging with the suspected caller, account, or chat. Do not send another payment to “fix” the first one.
- Contact your bank or the relevant payment app using an official support channel and report the transaction.
- For financial cyber fraud in India, call 1930 as soon as possible and report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The official portal identifies 1930 as the helpline for immediate reporting of financial cyber fraud. [7]
- Keep the transaction ID, screenshots, phone numbers, messages, and dates. Do not delete useful evidence.
Conclusion
The safest way to understand the UPI charge discussion is to slow the headline down. Yes, a revised MDR framework has been announced for certain merchant transactions above ₹2,000 from 15 October 2026. But that does not make a P2P transfer subject to a “release fee”, and it does not make an unsolicited ₹49, ₹99, or ₹199 demand legitimate. Check the transaction type, confirm where the charge sits, verify the payment in your own app or bank account, and never disclose your UPI PIN. Digital safety is not about fearing every payment; it is about recognising when someone asks you to leave the normal payment process.
Remember
UPI convenience should never require blind trust. Verify the sender, verify the screen, verify the transaction.
References
[1] Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, “UPI Continues to Remain Free for Peer to Peer Transactions and 96% of Merchant Transactions,” 15 September 2026. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2310586
[2] National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), “Fraud Awareness,” current guidance on fake cashback links, QR codes and UPI PIN safety. https://www.npci.org.in/fraud-awareness
[3] Hindustan Times / PTI, “Delhi Police arrest man in ₹30.81 lakh cyber fraud involving fake UPI payments,” 26 August 2026. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-police-arrest-man-in-rs-30-81-lakh-cyber-fraud-involving-fake-upi-payments-101787734051785.html
[4] The Times of India, “Two held for fake UPI payment fraud in Jharsuguda,” 11 September 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/two-held-for-fake-upi-payment-fraud-in-jharsuguda/articleshow/134072823.cms
[5] The Times of India, “Basti: 2 held for fake UPI payment scam,” 13 September 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/134154561.cms
[6] NPCI, “UPI - Frequently Asked Questions,” UPI PIN and transaction-confirmation guidance. https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/faqs
[7] Government of India, National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, financial cyber fraud reporting guidance and helpline 1930. https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/
[8] Moneycontrol, “Don't trust the screenshot: How to spot a fake UPI payment,” 6 August 2026. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/personal-finance/don-t-trust-the-screenshot-how-to-spot-a-fake-upi-payment-13996275.html
Image note: Both visuals were supplied by the requester. Figure 1 was cross-checked against the Ministry of Finance/PIB clarification cited in Reference [1].
Introduction
India & Bangladesh have adopted proactive approaches, focusing on advancing cyber capacity building in the region. Bangladeshi and Indian cybersecurity experts have emphasised the importance of continuous technology training to protect the digital space from growing cyber-attacks and threats. They call for greater collaboration to share knowledge and expertise in cyber resilience, network vulnerability, and cyber risk assessment. The Cyber-Maitree 2023 event held in Dhaka aimed to enrich and build capacity to counter cyber-attacks and threats. The senior director of India's Computer Emergency Response Team acknowledged the growing dependence on cyberspace and the need for increased preparedness as critical infrastructures, energy systems, banks, and utilities are connected to the internet. Recently, Bangladesh Cyber Security Summit 2024, organised by Grameenphone, was held in Dhaka on March 5th, 2024. Such collaborative dialogues between the countries serve as a shining example of cooperation between the governments of Bangladesh and India, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and international cooperation in cyber security.
Cyber Maitree held in 2023
In 2023, India and Bangladesh held 'Cyber Maitree 2023', an initiative hosted by the ICT Division of the Bangladeshi Government, to address cybersecurity challenges in a rapidly globalising world characterised by digitisation. The event, which translates to "Cyber Friendship," was an interface for cybersecurity experts and aspirants from both nations, creating an avenue for extensive training, practical exercises, and a dynamic exchange of information. We need to emphasise the importance of bolstering digital safety as both nations grapple with the rapid digitisation of the world.
India-Bangladesh joint efforts aim to fortify cyber resilience, pinpoint potential network vulnerabilities, bolster rigorous risk assessments, and illuminate the landscape of cyber threats. It encompasses various sectors, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, ICT, and IT-driven human resource expansion. The growing camaraderie between India and Bangladesh has been evident through strategic engagements, such as the India-Bangladesh Startup Bridge and the establishment of 12 High Tech Parks in Bangladesh.
Highlights of the India-Bangladesh MoUs for Cyber Security Cooperation
In 2017, India and Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on cyber security cooperation.
In 2022, Both nations crafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), highlighting collaboration in spheres such as e-governance, e-public service delivery, research, and development. A separate agreement was also inked focusing on mutual information sharing pertaining to cyber-attacks and incidents. The first MoU aims to provide a framework for training Bangladesh Railway employees at Indian Railways' training institutes, including field visits. The Indian Railways will coordinate with officials from the Ministry of Railways, Government of Bangladesh to improve training facilities in Bangladesh. The second MoU focuses on collaboration in IT systems, for the Bangladesh Railway. The Ministry of Railway, Government of India, will offer IT solutions for passenger ticketing, freight operations, train inquiry systems, asset management digitisation, HR and finance infrastructure. The MoUs aim to strengthen the friendship bond between India and Bangladesh and promote friendly cooperation in the railway sector.
Way Ahead
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister for Posts, Telecom and ICT, Bangladesh, has announced that Bangladesh and India will collaborate to ensure the safety of the cyber world. The two countries are expected to sign a final agreement within the next three to six months. He stressed the importance of attracting investments in the postal, telecommunication, and IT sectors. He also highlighted the strong ties between Bangladesh and India. He also announced that 12 high-tech parks will be constructed in Bangladesh with an Indian Line of Credit, starting operation by 2025. He further referred to the Indian Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), and said "We are very much enthusiastic in fighting against the cyber attacks and crimes as the team is now working with us".
Bangladesh Cyber Security Summit 2024
The Bangladesh Cyber Security Summit 2024, organised by Grameenphone, was held in Dhaka on 5th March 2024, focusing on cybersecurity issues and opportunities, fostering collaboration between government, private organisations, industry experts, and sponsors investing in Bangladesh's digital future.
Conclusion
India and Bangladesh share a common vision for a secure digital future, focusing on cybersecurity collaboration to safeguard shared aspirations and empower nations to thrive in the digital age. We must emphasise the need to fortify digital defenses, leveraging expertise, innovation, and collaboration to secure interconnected futures. Collaborative relations in Information and Communication Technology and Cyber Security will strengthen digital defense and establish cyber resilience.
References:
- https://caribbeannewsglobal.com/bangladesh-and-india-call-for-more-cyber-security-training/?amp=1
- https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/en/20231005/bangladesh-and-india-strengthen-ties-through-cyber-maitree-2023
- https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/150763
- https://digibanglatech.news/english/bangladesh-english/125439/
- https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/LegalTreatiesDoc/BG17B3024.pdf
- https://digibanglatech.news/english/bangladesh-english/125439/
- https://www.tbsnews.net/tech/ict/bangladesh-india-work-together-cyber-security-palak-712182
Introduction
The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) is a nodal agency of the government established and appointed as a national agency in respect of cyber incidents and cyber security incidents in terms of the provisions of section 70B of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. CERT-In has issued a cautionary note to Microsoft Edge, Adobe and Google Chrome users. Users have been alerted to many vulnerabilities by the government's cybersecurity agency, which hackers might use to obtain private data and run arbitrary code on the targeted machine. Users are advised by CERT-In to apply a security update right away in order to guard against the problem.
Vulnerability note
Vulnerability notes CIVN-2023-0361, CIVN-2023-0362 and CIVN-2023-0364 for Google Chrome for Desktop, Microsoft Edge and Adobe respectively, include more information on the alert. The problems have been categorized as high-severity issues by CERT-In, which suggests applying a security upgrade right now. According to the warning, there is a security risk if you use Google Chrome versions earlier than v120.0.6099.62 on Linux and Mac, or earlier than 120.0.6099.62/.63 on Windows. Similar to this, the vulnerability may also impact users of Microsoft Edge browser versions earlier than 120.0.2210.61.
Cause of the Problem
These vulnerabilities are caused by "Use after release in Media Stream, Side Panel Search, and Media Capture; Inappropriate implementation in Autofill and Web Browser UI, “according to the explanation in the issue note on the CERT-In website. The alert further warns that individuals who use the susceptible Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome browsers could end up being targeted by a remote attacker using these vulnerabilities to send a specially crafted request.” Once these vulnerabilities are effectively exploited, hackers may obtain higher privileges, obtain sensitive data, and run arbitrary code on the system of interest.
High-security issues: consequences
CERT-In has brought attention to vulnerabilities in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Adobe that might have serious repercussions and put users and their systems at risk. The vulnerabilities found in widely used browsers, like Adobe, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome, present serious dangers that might result in data breaches, unauthorized code execution, privilege escalation, and remote attacks. If these vulnerabilities are taken advantage of, private information may be violated, money may be lost, and reputational harm may result.
Additionally, the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information may be compromised. The danger also includes the potential to interfere with services, cause outages, reduce productivity, and raise the possibility of phishing and social engineering assaults. Users may become less trusting of the impacted software as a result of the urgent requirement for security upgrades, which might make them hesitant to utilize these platforms until guarantees of thorough security procedures are provided.
Advisory
- Users should update their Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Adobe software as soon as possible to protect themselves against the vulnerabilities that have been found. These updates are supplied by the individual software makers. Furthermore, use caution when browsing and refrain from downloading things from unidentified sites or clicking on dubious links.
- Make use of reliable ad-blockers and strong, often updated antivirus and anti-malware software. Maintain regular backups of critical data to reduce possible losses in the event of an attack, and keep up with best practices for cybersecurity. Maintaining current security measures with vigilance and proactiveness can greatly lower the likelihood of becoming a target for prospective vulnerabilities.
