As the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India approaches, a video has surfaced on social media claiming to show a supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi hanging onto the landing skid of his helicopter. This dramatic scene has garnered widespread attention and various interpretations online. However, a fact-check reveals that the video is not recent and has no connection to PM Modi or the current Indian elections.
The Claim
The viral video purportedly depicts a fan of PM Modi clinging to the landing skid of a helicopter, supposedly during one of Modi's campaign events.
The Reality
The video in question is from 2016 and originates from Kenya, not India. The incident occurred in Bungoma, Kenya, during a mourning ceremony for a Kenyan businessman named Jacob Juma.
The Incident
- Date and Location: The incident happened in 2016 in Bungoma, Kenya.
- Event: A helicopter was carrying the body of Jacob Juma from the ceremony.
- Person Involved: A man named Saleh Wanjala was seen clinging to the helicopter’s landing skid as it took off. Despite attempts by the pilot to lower the helicopter, Wanjala did not let go and continued to dangle as the helicopter flew away.
Verification Process
A reverse image search on keyframes from the video led to multiple news reports from 2016, confirming the incident took place in Kenya. Sources such as The Independent provided detailed accounts of the event, highlighting that the man held onto the helicopter skis during the takeoff.
Legal Consequences
Saleh Wanjala was later charged in a Bungoma court for endangering his own life and that of the helicopter pilot.
Conclusion
The viral video claiming to show a supporter of PM Modi hanging from a helicopter is not related to India or the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. It is an old video from Kenya, involving an entirely different context. Therefore, the claim that it depicts a Modi supporter is false.
For accurate information and to avoid the spread of misinformation, it is crucial to verify the sources and context of viral content, especially during sensitive times such as election periods.