A fake viral post on X falsely claimed that Indian Army officer Col. Sofiya Qureshi’s residence was attacked by the RSS in Karnataka. Here’s the truth behind the misinformation and what police have confirmed.

Fake News on X Falsely Claims Attack on Col. Sofiya Qureshi

A recent viral post on the social media platform X claimed that Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army was attacked by members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at her residence in Gokak taluk, Belagavi district, Karnataka. The post, which rapidly gained traction, was later confirmed as fake by local police authorities.

Origin of the False Claim

The misinformation originated from a user identified as Anees Uddin, who posted that Col. Qureshi and her son were attacked, their home set ablaze, and anti-Muslim hate speech was used. Another user, @JN_Araain, echoed the claims stating:
“RSS hatred strikes again! The target was Col. Sophia Qureshi, a Muslim spokesperson and officer in the Indian Army…”

This narrative spread using emotionally charged hashtags like #HindutvaHate, #RSSViolence, and #JusticeForSophia.

Police Confirm the Reports Are False

The Superintendent of Police for Belagavi, Dr. Bhimashankar Guled, and Additional SP SN Shruti confirmed the incident was fabricated.
“It’s false information,” said SP Shruti. “The post originated from outside India, and we are tracking the source. The family has been provided security, and an investigation is ongoing.”

Claims of Army Protection and Relocation to Delhi

Fake posts also alleged that Col. Qureshi and her family had to relocate to Delhi under Indian Army protection due to continued threats. These claims were pushed by another user, @BattlesInsight, who asserted the family was under serious risk.

Despite the fabricated nature of the reports, precautionary measures were taken. Security was deployed at the home of Col. Qureshi’s father-in-law, Gausasab Bagewadi, in Konnur village.

Police Respond with Investigation and Protection

In response to the viral post, Gokak Circle Police Inspector Suresh RB visited the site for a ground-level evaluation. Authorities have asked the family to avoid unnecessary public appearances while the inquiry continues.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: A Trailblazer in the Indian Army

Col. Qureshi gained national prominence during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror incident. She was a key spokesperson alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Her poised presence during press briefings marked a historic moment for women in Indian defense leadership.

Support and Pride from Her Family

Col. Qureshi is married to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, and they have one child. Her family in Konnur village expressed immense pride in her achievements.
“We were thrilled to see her on TV explaining the operation with such confidence and clarity,” said her father-in-law, Gausasab Bagewadi.

The Importance of Verifying Information Online

This incident underlines the critical need to verify information before sharing it on social media. False narratives not only spread fear and confusion but also put innocent individuals at risk. Always refer to official sources for updates and avoid engaging with unverified posts.

Conclusion: Fighting Fake News with Facts

The false claims surrounding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and the alleged RSS attack are a stark reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread across platforms like X. Despite the emotional and divisive nature of the viral content, verified reports from law enforcement have confirmed the incident never occurred.

As responsible digital citizens, it’s essential to critically evaluate online content, rely on credible sources, and report misinformation when encountered. By doing so, we help protect individuals’ reputations, uphold the truth, and contribute to a more informed and respectful digital ecosystem.