A video circulating on social media that allegedly depicts a mob attacking a Hindu man in Bangladesh has been debunked as misleading. The footage, which has garnered significant attention, actually shows an incident that took place at a railway station in India. This misrepresentation comes amid reports of sectarian violence in Bangladesh, where at least 11 Hindus have been killed since December 2025.
The video, lasting approximately 23 seconds, depicts several men assaulting a person dressed in a saffron robe, a common attire associated with Hindu monks. Social media posts accompanying the clip have linked it to ongoing anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, using phrases like “Condition of Hindus in Bangladesh” and hashtags such as “Hindu Lives Matter” and “Save Bangladeshi Hindus.” These claims have been amplified by various platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Investigations into the video revealed that it was filmed at the Tanda railway station in Hoshiarpur district, located in northern India. A reverse image search returned results showing the same incident shared on Instagram on December 20, 2025, with a caption indicating that an elderly man was being beaten after being accused of trying to abduct a child. Assistant sub-inspector Balwinder Singh of the Government Railway Police confirmed to AFP that locals attacked the man after observing him walking away with a child, suspecting him of abduction. Importantly, no official complaint was filed regarding the incident.
The context surrounding the video is rooted in rising tensions in Bangladesh, particularly following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader involved in the pro-democracy movement. Following his death in December 2025, violence erupted, targeting various properties in Dhaka, including the offices of major newspapers like Prothom Alo and the Daily Star. Critics have accused these publications of bias towards India, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought refuge since fleeing Bangladesh after the 2024 uprising.
Despite the serious nature of reports regarding violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, the specific clip in question does not depict an event occurring within that country. Key visual elements in the video, such as a logo from the General Insurance Corporation of India, further support its Indian origin.
On January 1, 2026, the Bangladeshi Chief Adviser’s office issued a statement on Facebook denying the claims made in the viral posts. This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it, particularly in contexts where misinformation can exacerbate communal tensions.
As the situation continues to unfold in both Bangladesh and India, it is crucial for media consumers to approach such narratives with caution and a critical eye. The potential for misinformation to inflame existing tensions cannot be underestimated, making factual accuracy paramount in discussions surrounding sectarian violence.