Pakistan Accident Video Misleadingly Shared as of Maha Kumbh Mela
In the aftermath of the unfortunate stampede that occurred at Maha Kumbh Mela in late January 2025, numerous social media users shared a video that showed a crowded congregation after an accident. The video was claimed to be from Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, but a closer investigation revealed that the video was actually from the Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, reported on January 11, 2025.
The video, which showed a chaotic scene of people rushing to help after an accident, was widely shared on social media platforms, with many users claiming that it was footage from the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayag, India. However, a team of fact-checkers at DFRAC (Disinformation and Fake News Research Association of Canada) took it upon themselves to investigate the authenticity of the video and its connection to the Maha Kumbh Mela.
After conducting a thorough analysis, DFRAC’s investigators found that the video was actually shot in the Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, which is located in the northwestern part of the country. The incident was reported on January 11, 2025, but it had nothing to do with the Maha Kumbh Mela, which took place later in January 2025.
The investigation began with a review of the video itself, which showed a crowded scene with people rushing to help after an accident. The investigators noticed that the clothing and architecture in the video were not consistent with the Maha Kumbh Mela, which is a Hindu festival held in India. The festival is known for its colorful and vibrant atmosphere, with participants wearing bright clothing and participating in various religious rituals. The video, on the other hand, showed a more subdued and somber atmosphere, with people dressed in more traditional attire.
Furthermore, the investigators checked the timestamp and the location of the video, which pointed to the Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The timestamp matched the date of January 11, 2025, which was confirmed by multiple news sources.
The investigation also checked the social media accounts of the people who had shared the video, and found that none of them had any credible evidence or sources to back up their claims. In fact, many of the accounts were fake or had no connection to the Maha Kumbh Mela or the incident.
The incident highlights the importance of fact-checking and verifying information before sharing it on social media. With the rapid spread of misinformation, it is crucial for individuals to be vigilant and cautious when sharing information.
In conclusion, the video that was shared on social media claiming to be from Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 was actually from an accident in the Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The investigation by DFRAC’s team of fact-checkers revealed that the video was not related to the Maha Kumbh Mela, and was instead a fake news story designed to mislead and deceive.
DFRAC is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating disinformation and fake news. Our mission is to promote media literacy and critical thinking, and to provide accurate and reliable information to the public.
