Government Debunks False Claims About Airfield Strike And Pilot Ejection

The Indian government on Saturday firmly rejected false claims circulating on Pakistani social media platforms, asserting that the Bathinda airfield had been destroyed.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) conducted a detailed fact-check and confirmed that the airfield remains completely intact and fully operational.

Bathinda Airfield Remains Functional

Addressing the misinformation, the PIB posted on X:
“Viral claim about Bathinda on social media! Posts are being artificially spread, claiming that Bathinda Airfield has been destroyed! #PIBFactCheck Fake alert! The Bathinda Airfield is fully operational and there is no damage whatsoever. Don’t fall for misinformation. Stay informed, stay alert.”

This swift clarification comes amid a spike in doctored media from Pakistani handles attempting to mislead the public following recent tensions.

Viral Video Of Delhi Airport ‘Strike’ Also Debunked

In another instance, a video falsely claiming to show a missile attack on New Delhi Airport went viral.

The PIB investigated and confirmed that the clip in question was actually footage of a gas station explosion in Aden, Yemen, from August 2024.

The bureau clarified:
“Missile attack on Delhi Airport? An old video is being falsely shared as footage of a missile strike on New Delhi Airport. #PIBFactCheck This video shows a gas station explosion in Aden, Yemen, from August 2024. It has no connection to the current India-Pakistan situation.”

Also Read: PIB Fact Check Debunks Multiple Misinformation Claims Circulating On Social Media

A YouTube link to the original incident was also provided to support transparency.

Claims Of Pilot Ejection Over PoK Found Baseless

Adding to the flood of misinformation, some social media users circulated posts alleging that an Indian pilot had ejected over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The PIB again intervened, stating:

“Indian Pilot Ejected Over PoK? Here’s the Truth! Posts on social media claim that an Indian pilot ejected from a fighter jet over Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). #PIBFactCheck This claim is FAKE. Don’t fall for misinformation. Always verify before sharing.”

The bureau also attached the original source of the image used in the deceptive post.

Government Urges Public To Stay Vigilant

As fake news proliferates during heightened geopolitical tensions, the PIB has urged citizens to verify all information before sharing it online.

Authorities continue to monitor and expose misinformation campaigns designed to incite panic or spread propaganda.