Unrelated videos shared with misleading claims about journalists
A video of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait's media interaction is circulating on social media.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 8 Dec 2021 1:00 PM GMT
HYDERABAD: A video of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait's media interaction is circulating on social media. Users claim that a journalist of Republic Bharat tried to 'touch him inappropriately' which angered Tikait.
"This is how a female reporter of Republic Bharat tried to defame farmer leader Rakesh Tikait. But her stunt went wrong as he remained vigilant and exposed her," reads one message.
FACT CHECK:
NewsMeter found that the viral video carries two unrelated videos that have been merged together to create a misleading narrative. While the first half of the video shows an incident with a Zee Hindustan reporter, the second half shows an incident with a Republic Bharat reporter. Netizens have been misled to believe that the viral video shows just one incident with the Republic Bharat reporter.
It can be noticed in the viral video that Rakesh Tikait's clothes change in between shots. Initially, he is seen wearing a grey jacket but within a few seconds, he doesn't have it on. This is because the viral video shows two separate incidents.
The first half of the viral video was found on a YouTube channel of News India 24. It has been posted on December 31, 2020. "Zee News' lady reporter did something with Rakesh Tikait that left everyone shocked," reads the thumbnail of the video
It is evident that the reporter was holding a Zee News microphone. Confusion arose that she is a Republic Bharat reporter. Another reporter holding a Republic TV mike too was also there interviewing the farmer leader.
Moreover, Zee Hindustan's official Twitter handle posted the video of the reporter identifying her as Harsha Chandwani. The video quotes Chandwani saying, "Please tell people that I have been covering the protest for the last 35 days and that you treat me like your daughter," to which Tikait responded that he, in fact, considered her his child and wanted her to learn from the protests.
Clearly, the first half of the viral video shows an incident with a Zee News reporter.
The second half of the viral video was found on the Youtube channel of Republic TV dated December 1, 2021. In this recent incident, Tikait and a Republic Bharat reporter Anju Nirwan can be seen arguing. Tikait asked her to leave and refused to give her an interview. In the video, Tikiat can be heard saying, "Make a video. She is misbehaving. She is touching physically. Go away."
He accused the reporter of 'touching him'.
Although it is true that such an incident did take place with a Republic Bharat reporter, the viral video does not show it. An old video with the Zee News reporter was merged to share a misleading narrative.
