The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has flagged yet another instance of misinformation targeting India, warning of a digitally manipulated video being circulated by Pakistani propaganda handles to push a false narrative around a supposed military setback.
In a statement, PIB Fact Check said several social media accounts had shared a video claiming that preparations for “Operation Sindoor” were hit after a SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jet allegedly failed to land on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur. The claim, it clarified, is entirely fabricated.
According to PIB, the viral clip is an AI-generated deepfake created to mislead viewers and spread disinformation. “Beware! This claim is fake,” PIB said, urging users to verify content before sharing it further.
Several Pakistani propaganda accounts are circulating a digitally altered video falsely claiming that the preparations for #OperationSindoor suffered a setback in Uttar Pradesh when a SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jet failed to land on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur.… pic.twitter.com/DgrCraJ7Go
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 24, 2026
To counter the false narrative, PIB pointed to the original footage of the incident, which shows a Jaguar fighter jet successfully landing on the Purvanchal Expressway as part of routine take-off and landing drills conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Such exercises are periodically carried out to test the operational readiness of expressways as emergency airstrips.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Jaguar fighter jet lands on Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur as Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts takeoff and landing practice. pic.twitter.com/esxMisSPvS
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2026
The fact-check comes amid a broader surge in deepfake videos and manipulated content circulating online, particularly during sensitive periods. Authorities have repeatedly cautioned users against falling for unverified claims, especially those linked to defence operations and national security.
PIB reiterated that misinformation campaigns not only distort facts but also pose risks to public trust, urging citizens to rely on verified sources for accurate information.