A fake video of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, created using AI, falsely claimed he offered condolences for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s alleged custodial death. Pakistan-based propaganda accounts circulated the clip. The Press Information Bureau confirmed the video’s alteration, emphasizing the Army chief made no such statement and urging citizens to verify information. Sonam Wangchuk and Upendra Dwivedi (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: A digitally manipulated video of Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi was circulated online by a Pakistan-based propaganda handle on Thursday. The fake clip falsely claimed that he had issued a statement about the alleged custodial death of detained Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.The Press Information Bureau’s fact-check unit verified that the clip was fake and digitally altered using artificial intelligence technology. It emphasised that the Army chief has made no such remarks and urged citizens not to share unverified content intended to spread misinformation and undermine faith in the Indian Armed Forces.According to the fake post shared by the Pakistan-based account, it read: “Following the custodial death of Sonam Wangchuk, Indian Army chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi offered condolences, now being suppressed by media. Even the Army seems exhausted by Hindutva fascists forcing their own agenda.”In the fabricated clip, General Dwivedi could be heard saying: “I express my deep regret at the passing of Sonam Wangchuk while he was in state custody. His death has caused understandable concern among citizens across Ladakh and the rest of the country. As Chief of General Staff, I extend my condolences to his family and to all who knew him. Every life lost under detention demands clarity and accountability. I have requested the central government to conduct a thorough and transparent inquiry. All facts must be verified so that confidence in our institutions remains intact. May his family find strength during this difficult time.”However, fact-checkers confirmed that the original speech was completely unrelated. The authentic video was posted by news agency PTI on the same day and showed General Dwivedi addressing the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025.In the original video, Dwivedi stated: “The military is shedding inhibitions, opening ranges, funding startups, and joining national technology missions to strengthen this troika transformation even further.”The PIB warned that such content is created to intentionally spread false narratives and urged social media users to rely only on official and credible sources for accurate information.Wangchuk was detained on September 26, two days after violent protests in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh that left four people dead and over 90 injured.Authorities have accused him of inciting the unrest. He was shifted to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and booked under the National Security Act (NSA), which allows preventive detention for up to 12 months in cases deemed a threat to national security.On November 23, the Leh Apex Body (LAB), a group leading the agitation submitted a draft proposal to the home ministry, calling a “general amnesty” for Wangchuk and others detained over the September 24 violence a key condition for continued talks with the Centre.The document argued that releasing detainees would help “restore peace and build confidence” in Ladakh.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Darkest Times’: Imran Khan’s Sister Calls Out Pakistan Govt, Compares Asim Munir To Adolf HitlerIndia Must Prepare For Violent Future As CDS Chauhan Says Even One Failure Could Prove CatastrophicIndia Is a Key Ally, Cyprus Assures Strong Push to Finalise India–EU FTA TalksImran Khan Health Rumour: PTI Holds Sit In Outside Adiala Jail, KP CM Sohail Afridi Stages ProtestRam Madhav Challenges ‘No-Religion’ Narrative in White Collar Terror DebateAustralia Says India Is Now A Leading Global Power, Credits PM Modi For Transforming World DynamicsOusted PM Sheikh Hasina Faces Fresh Conviction as Court Awards 21-Year TermPM Modi Announces Major Move Allowing Private Players Into Nuclear Sector To Spur Advanced ReactorsExplained: Why Vikram-I Could Transform India’s Satellite Launch Market And Global Space Leadership‘Pak, Bangladesh, US…’: BJP Alleges Congress Using Foreign ‘X’ Accounts to Set India’s Narrative123Photostories5 quiet signs your relationship is emotionally secureMeet the star kid who debut with Shruti Haasan, vanished after the film, and now runs an Rs 8500 crore businessNature’s Ozempic: 5 edibles that ‘mimic’ the popular weight-loss drug with natural benefits5 knee strengthening exercises you can do at homeThese 4 common habits could be destroying your gut lining5 lethal killer animals that are an example of predators behind beauty5 winter foods that naturally mimic OzempicDid Nike just collaborate with ‘Stranger Things’? 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NEW DELHI: A digitally manipulated video of Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi was circulated online by a Pakistan-based propaganda handle on Thursday. The fake clip falsely claimed that he had issued a statement about the alleged custodial death of detained Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.The Press Information Bureau’s fact-check unit verified that the clip was fake and digitally altered using artificial intelligence technology. It emphasised that the Army chief has made no such remarks and urged citizens not to share unverified content intended to spread misinformation and undermine faith in the Indian Armed Forces.According to the fake post shared by the Pakistan-based account, it read: “Following the custodial death of Sonam Wangchuk, Indian Army chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi offered condolences, now being suppressed by media. Even the Army seems exhausted by Hindutva fascists forcing their own agenda.”In the fabricated clip, General Dwivedi could be heard saying: “I express my deep regret at the passing of Sonam Wangchuk while he was in state custody. His death has caused understandable concern among citizens across Ladakh and the rest of the country. As Chief of General Staff, I extend my condolences to his family and to all who knew him. Every life lost under detention demands clarity and accountability. I have requested the central government to conduct a thorough and transparent inquiry. All facts must be verified so that confidence in our institutions remains intact. May his family find strength during this difficult time.”However, fact-checkers confirmed that the original speech was completely unrelated. The authentic video was posted by news agency PTI on the same day and showed General Dwivedi addressing the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025.In the original video, Dwivedi stated: “The military is shedding inhibitions, opening ranges, funding startups, and joining national technology missions to strengthen this troika transformation even further.”The PIB warned that such content is created to intentionally spread false narratives and urged social media users to rely only on official and credible sources for accurate information.Wangchuk was detained on September 26, two days after violent protests in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh that left four people dead and over 90 injured.Authorities have accused him of inciting the unrest. He was shifted to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and booked under the National Security Act (NSA), which allows preventive detention for up to 12 months in cases deemed a threat to national security.On November 23, the Leh Apex Body (LAB), a group leading the agitation submitted a draft proposal to the home ministry, calling a “general amnesty” for Wangchuk and others detained over the September 24 violence a key condition for continued talks with the Centre.The document argued that releasing detainees would help “restore peace and build confidence” in Ladakh.
