Is the Chitrakoot Gang-Rape Viral Video Real? Second Unrelated Clip Debunked
UP Police debunked viral clips falsely linked to the Chitrakoot NEET aspirant gang-rape case. Cops confirmed that a trending video showing a girl in a hoodie and another clip from a 2019 Rajgir assault are unrelated to the incident. All three Chitrakoot suspects are in custody, and police warned against sharing misleading assault media.
Uttar Pradesh Police have issued a formal clarification debunking a second viral video falsely linked to the recent gang-rape of a NEET aspirant in Chitrakoot. Cops confirmed that the circulating clips are entirely unrelated to the Chitrakoot case, urging the public to refrain from spreading misattributed and sensitive media across social platforms.
Police Issue Statement on Misleading Footage
Following widespread circulation on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, Chitrakoot Police conducted a technical investigation to verify the origin of the viral media. It has now been confirmed that claims connecting the videos to the July 22 incident in Devangana Valley are false and misleading.
In an official statement released via social media, Chitrakoot Police warned that creating or sharing misleading content regarding ongoing sexual assault investigations is a punishable offense under digital publishing and cybercrime laws.
Origins of the Viral Clips
Fact-checkers and law enforcement identified multiple distinct clips being circulated online under false captions:
The Hoodie Clip: One widely shared video depicts a young girl surrounded by several youths while attempting to cover herself with a hoodie. Police confirmed this clip has no connection to the events in Chitrakoot.
Viral Hoodie Assault Video Falsely Linked To Chitrakoot Gang-Rape
The 2019 Rajgir Incident: Another video being falsely attributed to the case dates back to a 2019 sexual assault incident in Rajgir, Nalanda district, Bihar. Local authorities in Bihar had taken legal action against the perpetrators at the time of the 2019 crime.
Background on the Chitrakoot Case
The misattributed videos surfaced following an assault on July 22 near Devangana Valley in Uttar Pradesh’s Chitrakoot district. A 20-year-old NEET aspirant visiting the location with a companion was ambushed by three men posing as forest officials.
Following a multi-agency investigation involving local police and the Special Operations Group (SOG), all three suspects, identified as Jitendra Patel (alias Bhola), Vivek Patel and Pravin Patel, were apprehended by authorities.
Legal Warning Against Sharing Assault Media
Police and cybercrime units have reminded internet users that saving, downloading, or forwarding explicit or graphic videos of sexual violence is illegal under Indian law. Authorities urge citizens to report circulating links to regional cybercrime portals rather than redistributing misleading content.
Fact check
Viral video shows the Chitrakoot gang-rape incident.
The viral video is not related to the Chitrakoot case, confirms UP police.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2026 04:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
