Claim:
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar contradicted the government’s fact-check regarding Indian deportees being handcuffed during their deportation from the US.
Verdict:
Misleading
The Claim:
A claim circulated on social media and news platforms suggesting that EAM S. Jaishankar contradicted the government’s official fact-check by acknowledging in the Rajya Sabha that Indian immigrants deported from the US may have been “restrained” using handcuffs and shackles. This appeared to conflict with the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) statement, which labeled as FAKE the claims that deported Indian migrants were handcuffed and chained during their flight.
The confusion arose following the deportation of 104 Indian immigrants via a US military aircraft, with allegations from some deportees claiming they were restrained for extended periods.
Fact-Check Analysis:
To determine if Jaishankar’s remarks contradicted the government’s position, we analyzed both the minister’s statements and the official fact-check from PIB.
- Official Statements or Evidence:
- Jaishankar’s Statement: In the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar stated, “The standard operating procedure for deportation by aircraft provides for the use of restraints. However, we have been informed that women and children are not restrained.” He also mentioned that deportees are temporarily unrestrained during toilet breaks if needed.
- PIB Fact-Check: The PIB categorically dismissed claims circulating on social media, stating, “The claim that Indian migrants were deported with hands and legs cuffed with chains is FAKE.” This statement targeted specific images and exaggerated claims being spread online.
- Additional Findings:
- Deportee Testimony: Harvinder Singh, a deportee, claimed in an interview that he and others were handcuffed and shackled during the 40-hour journey.
- US Border Patrol Confirmation: The US Border Patrol shared a video showing deportees with visible restraints, confirming that some level of restraint was used.
- Standard Deportation Practices: Restraints are often used during deportations to maintain security, as per international aviation security protocols, especially on military aircraft.
Context:
The deportation involved 104 Indian immigrants who were flown back to Amritsar on a US military aircraft, with many claiming harsh treatment during transit. The opposition raised concerns in Parliament, demanding clarity on the deportation process and the treatment of Indian citizens abroad.
While the PIB’s fact-check focused on dismissing exaggerated claims about severe mistreatment, Jaishankar’s acknowledgment reflected procedural realities rather than contradicting the fact-check. His statement highlighted that restraints are standard in such deportations, but not in the extreme form claimed on social media.
Conclusion:
The claim that EAM S. Jaishankar contradicted the government’s fact-check is misleading. While Jaishankar acknowledged that the use of restraints is part of standard deportation procedures, this does not directly oppose the PIB’s fact-check, which refuted exaggerated claims circulating online. The minister provided procedural clarity, while the fact-check addressed misinformation about the severity of the restraints.
Verdict: Misleading