Aayushi Rana 
In the aftermath of the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam, several Pakistan-based social media accounts have been actively circulating fake and misleading information online. One such viral claim stated, “Just IN:— Indian Air Force ‘mistakenly’ bombs a civilian area in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh.“
Another user alleged, “IAF jet has dropped bombs on its own area — Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Civilian property damaged. Hogyi Surgical Strike!”
Similar posts have surfaced across various platforms, all echoing the same deceptive narrative.
Fact Check
Upon investigation, we found the claim to be misleading. The Indian Air Force released an official statement on their Twitter account acknowledging that a non-explosive aerial store (drop tank) was inadvertently released from an aircraft, causing damage to property on the ground near Shivpuri. No explosives were involved.
Furthermore, we found A report by India Today dated 25 April 2025 confirmed that a drop tank fell on a house, damaging two rooms but causing no injuries. An inquiry has been launched.
Police officials, including Shivpuri SP Aman Singh Rathor, confirmed that four family members in the house were unharmed and the area was secured.
Other credible media outlets, such as NDTV and ABP Live, also reported the same facts, clearly indicating that this was an accidental incident and not a bombing.
Conclusion
The viral claim that the Indian Air Force “bombed a civilian area” in Shivpuri is misleading. It was an accidental release of a non-explosive part from an aircraft, with no casualties reported. The narrative being pushed by several accounts is an attempt to spread disinformation.
Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui