Claim
Viral videos on social media claim to show the Indian Army carrying out a crackdown in West Bengal ahead of upcoming Assembly elections.
Fact
The claim is false.
What Is Going Viral
As election activity intensifies in West Bengal, multiple videos are being widely circulated online with claims that:
- Indian Army personnel are conducting a crackdown
- Security forces are using force against civilians
- The visuals are from pre-election operations in West Bengal
The clips have triggered concern and confusion among users.
What Factcheck India Found?
A detailed verification of the viral content reveals a very different reality.
Video 1: Lathi Charge Clip
The first video shows armed personnel carrying out a lathi charge, claimed to be from West Bengal.
However:
- A reverse image search traced the footage to a report by United News of Bangladesh
- The incident dates back to February 2026
- It took place in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh during parliamentary elections
Reports confirm that:
- Security forces intervened after attempts to disrupt polling
- The lathi charge was used to control unrest at polling stations
Video 2: Detention Clip
The second viral video shows individuals being detained and put into a vehicle.
Key findings:
- The vehicle clearly displays “Bangladesh Army”
- A signboard visible in the clip points to Mugda Police Station in Dhaka
Further verification reveals:
- The video was shared on February 12, 2026
- It shows arrests in Dhaka, not India
- It was also posted by Bangladesh-based outlet ProMedia Bangladesh
What’s Really Happening
Both videos:
- Are from Bangladesh’s national election period
- Show local law enforcement actions
- Have no connection to West Bengal or India
The claim linking them to Indian elections is completely fabricated.
Why This Matters
Misinformation during elections is not accidental — it is often strategic.
Such false claims can:
- Create fear and distrust
- Mislead voters
- Distort the perception of law and order
Recycling foreign footage and presenting it as domestic events is a common disinformation tactic.
Conclusion
The viral videos claiming to show an “Army crackdown in West Bengal” are false. The viral videos are not from India. They originate from Bangladesh and are linked to events during its national elections.
✔ Both videos are from Bangladesh
✔ They are linked to Bangladesh’s elections
✔ They have no connection to India or West Bengal