Two Arrested for Spreading Fake Tiger Sighting Video in Hirebagewadi

Belagavi: Forest department officials on Thursday arrested two individuals for circulating a fake video that falsely claimed a tiger sighting near Kondaskopp and Yeramal. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sheetal Patil and Mallesh Desai, both residents of Kondaskopp.

According to Belagavi divisional forest officer Purushottam Rao, the duo had received a video of a leopard and then altered and circulated it on social media, falsely presenting it as a tiger sighting. “We had initially informed the public about a genuine leopard sighting in the area and had taken measures to alert them. However, Sheetal and Mallesh exacerbated the situation by sharing a manipulated video that appeared to show a tiger,” Rao stated.

The forest department confirmed that the video was a hoax and actually depicted a hybrid animal, possibly a cross between a tiger and a leopard. Rao added, “We are investigating the origins of the original video and intend to take strict action against those responsible for creating and distributing this fake news.”

The department has issued a warning to the public about the dangers of sharing unverified information, particularly on social media platforms, as it can lead to unnecessary panic and disrupt public order. The arrested individuals are expected to face fines for their actions.

This incident underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it, particularly when it involves wildlife sightings that can lead to public anxiety and misinformation. The forest department continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.