The ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar has prompted the Delhi Police to hold their first-ever press conference concerning the demonstrations. During this media briefing, police officials highlighted how digital platforms are being leveraged to disseminate false information and manipulate public perception. Addressing the media, DCP Rohit Rajbeer Singh shared critical details about the orchestrated disinformation campaigns designed to create confusion and fear.
Unmasking the Disinformation and Foreign Influence
A major focus of the press conference was the discovery of foreign involvement in the digital campaigns surrounding the protest. DCP Rohit Rajbeer Singh stated that social media accounts operated from Pakistan are actively publishing misleading content related to the demonstrations. Investigations indicate that several of these digital handles were previously active during "Operation Sindoor", suggesting a patterned attempt to destabilize local peace. The police noted that Instagram is being extensively used to circulate these fabricated posts, prompting close surveillance by dedicated teams to counter the fake narratives.
Deepfakes and Fabricated Video Material
Among the specific instances of fake news cited by the Delhi Police was a manipulated video featuring Sonam Wangchuk. In this footage, his lip movements do not match the audio track, presenting a false statement altogether. Additionally, bad actors have deployed deepfake technology to create videos claiming that the Indian Army has been deployed at Jantar Mantar to control the situation. The police clarified that these videos are entirely synthetic and have no basis in reality, serving only to generate panic among the public.
Refuting Rumors of Deaths and Crackdowns
The authorities also debunked several specific claims that gained traction online. One viral post alleged that a girl had lost her life during an incident on July 20, which the police officially declared to be completely false. Furthermore, a political leader reportedly created and shared a video asserting that the central government was preparing to execute a midnight crackdown on the protesters at Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Police strongly refuted this claim, explaining that such statements are intended purely to fuel public anxiety. To combat this organized flow of disinformation, the Delhi Police has officially constituted a Special Task Force (STF).
Ongoing Protests and Legal Proceedings
The protest by CJP members has been going on for several days, with demonstrators remaining firm on their demands from the government. Recently, JP Nadda issued his first statement following a meeting with CJP leaders. Meanwhile, the legal aspects of the protest have reached the judiciary. A petition was filed against the police actions taken during the CJP march, prompting a significant comment from CJI Suryakant during the court proceedings.
