Fact Check: Image of metro train with Ambedkar’s photo in the front is morphed

Hyderabad: An image of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and a flag saying ‘Jai Bhim’ hoisted at the front of a train has gone viral. Social media users are sharing the image claiming that the USA has put Ambedkar’s image on its longest train as a mark of respect. Users have also criticised Indian media for not covering the news.

Click here and here to see Facebook posts.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the image has been morphed. The original image has a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) train with no Ambedkar photo or Jai Bhim flag. We ran a keyword search but could not find any news report stating that the USA has put Ambedkar’s image on its longest train.

We performed a reverse image search and found the original image used in reports published by several media outlets. ABP News used it as the representational image in an article reporting about a 25-year-old girl attempting suicide by jumping before a metro train at Guru Dronacharya station in Delhi.

India TV used it in a 2016 article reporting about the Delhi metro going cashless.

English Jagran used it in a 2022 article reporting on the Delhi Metro’s schedule on Independence Day.

Here is the comparison of viral and original images.

From the findings, it is evident that the viral image has been morphed. Hence, we conclude that the claim that the USA has put Ambedkar’s image on its longest train is false.