The recent Poonch encounter in Kashmir resulted in the death of Four Indian soldiers. After the incident, Pakistani users are found to share fake news in increased numbers. We came across a claim on the Internet where Pakistani users are claiming that an IED blast took place in Kulgam.
Users who shared the claim
An account named The INDOCOM Bureau was found to claim, “In Khudwani, Kulgam, there has been a reported IED blast at Khudwani Qaimoh, specifically targeting a barber shop. – The proprietor of the barbershop located in Kawakibazar Quimoh was involved in spying for the Indian forces.”
Fact Check
We investigated the viral claim. During the process, we found Local media reports of Kashmir. The Kashmir Pulse reported, “Authorities from the Jammu and Kashmir Police have categorically dismissed claims circulating about an alleged Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast occurring in Khudwani Qaimoh in Kulgam. The official labeled these claims as ‘concocted and baseless’.”
Other media houses also posted the news on their Twitter handles where the claim was termed Fake.
Furthermore, on the Facebook page of another local media house, Quick Kashmir News, we found the same report further matching the incident with the Barbershop pictures. The post mentioned that the official informed – that a barber shop of Rouf Ahmad Hajam, a resident of Cheddar got partially damaged due to a fire at Kawakibazar Qaimoh due to a short circuit and no loss of life or injuries occurred.
Conclusion
Thus, from the fact check it is clear that no IED blast has occurred in Khudwani, Kulgam. Also, the fire in the barber shop witnessed a short circuit.
DFRAC Analysis: Fake claim
