Recently, a video of the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, allegedly saying that in India, the Army don’t get a free hand. He was unable to complete Operation Sindoor and was asked to resign due to the fallout from the political decision. Sharing the video, users claimed that Anil Chauhan made this statement on the last day of his service
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However, upon investigation, we found that the video had been altered. Here’s the fact check.
Fact Check
We started our investigation by taking screenshots from the viral video and conducting a reverse image search. This led us to the official X handle of ANI, where a video similar to the viral one was uploaded on May 30, 2026. But the audio didn’t match the viral video. Here, Anil Chauhan says, “It’s a matter of great honour for me to superannuate with a tri-services guard of honour. I thank the three services and Headquarters IDS for it. With the conclusion of the guard of honour, I bid farewell to my colleagues in uniform, comrades in arms forever. I just laid the wreath at the War Memorial for the last time in uniform, as a humble tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty. After the wreath laying, I was welcomed by my friends, relatives and well-wishers. This is symbolic of my transition from uniform to civilian life. I had a very satisfying and excellent tenure.”
Another similar video was uploaded on the official Facebook page of India Today on May 30, 2026.
Moreover, PIB Fact Check, on their official X handle, refuted the viral claim and stated that the viral video was a deepfake.
Conclusion
From our investigation, we can say that the viral video has been altered. Former Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan, didn’t make any such statements as claimed in the viral video. The viral video is a deepfake.
Title: Deepfake Video Of The Former Chief Of Defence Staff, On His Retirement Day, Going Viral.
Fact Check By: Debanjana Baishya
Result: Altered
