Delhi Police warns of Pakistani social media campaign fuelling misinformation amid current situation
New Delhi, July 24
A senior Delhi Police official has said and accused Pakistan of exploiting the prevailing situation in India by conspiring a coordinated misinformation drive on social media.
The officer issued the stern warning through a video message on Thursday posted on Instagram, highlighting the role of foreign-backed social media accounts in spreading divisive content.
In the video statement, the official revealed that intelligence teams have identified more than 400 Pakistani social media accounts actively disseminating false narratives. These accounts are being blocked. Many of these accounts were previously active during Operation Sindoor, indicating a pattern of repeated interference.
"Pakistan is taking advantage of the current situation in India," the officer asserted, adding that attempts are being made to deliberately spread misinformation to create unrest.
The official noted that these social media accounts are exploiting sensitive issues by posting manipulated videos, unverified claims, and inflammatory content.
"Their sole objective is to incite trouble," he said.
Authorities have initiated steps to block these accounts and curb their reach across platforms.
Urging citizens to remain vigilant, the senior officer appealed for responsible social media behaviour.
"I urge you to fact-check any post -- whether it involves videos or originates from anonymous handles -- before sharing it. Do not spread rumours, and do not let anti-social elements manipulate your emotions," he cautioned.
The statement comes at a time when protests and public discourse around recent events have intensified.
The official acknowledged citizens' democratic rights while stressing the need for restraint.
"Peaceful protest is your right, and it is important to exercise that right responsibly," he emphasised.
Delhi Police sources indicated that cyber cells are monitoring suspicious activity round-the-clock and coordinating with central agencies and social media intermediaries to neutralise the threat.
Officials warned that sharing unverified content could inadvertently aid anti-national elements and lead to legal consequences under relevant cyber and public order laws.
The development indicates growing concerns over hybrid warfare tactics, where foreign actors use digital platforms to amplify domestic fault lines.
Security agencies have previously flagged similar campaigns during periods of social or political tension.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It is shocking that after so many years, our neighbours still think such tricks will work. But look at our people — thousands are still falling for fake news. WhatsApp forwards with shaky videos and no source — bhai, at least cross-check karo before forwarding. Common sense needs to prevail.
As someone who works in media verification, I can confirm this is real. I've personally tracked accounts that suddenly become hyperactive during tension periods — all originating from the same region across the border. The digital forensics don't lie. But equally, the Indian police must ensure they don't use this as an excuse to silence genuine dissent. That balance is critical.
Respect to Delhi Police for being proactive. But the bigger issue is how easily we get divided by such content. One manipulated video of a riot or a fake statement from a leader and the whole country is at each other's throats. We need stronger digital literacy in schools and colleges. Otherwise, blocking 400 accounts is just scratching the surface.
True that we need to be vigilant. But I hope the police also check the thousands of domestic accounts that deliberately spread hate and fake news for their own political gains. It is not just Pakistan — there are enough actors within India who benefit from chaos. @DelhiPolice, please be equally strict with all those who violate norms.
Having lived in India for three years, I've seen how quickly things can spiral from a single viral post. The statement about hybrid warfare is spot-on — this isn't just about propaganda, it's about using digital platforms as weapons. The fact that these same accounts were active during Operation Sindoor shows it's a coordinated long-term strategy. Impressive that Indian authorities are
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