May 10, 2025 – A wave of misinformation has been circulating on social media, falsely claiming that Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Shivangi Singh was captured by Pakistani forces during an aerial operation. The claim, which spread through doctored images and fabricated videos, was quickly debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), calling it entirely false and baseless.
The false narrative suggested that Shivangi Singh was arrested near Sialkot after her fighter jet was downed by Pakistani forces. Alongside these fabricated claims, misleading content, including images of an unrelated 2014 incident involving a Sukhoi SU-30MKI crash, was circulated. The PIB responded promptly, clarifying that these visuals were manipulated and had no connection to any current events involving the IAF pilot Shivangi Singh.
Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh is a trailblazer for women in the Indian Armed Forces, serving as one of India’s first female pilots of the Rafale fighter jet. Shivangi Singh, who was commissioned into the IAF in 2017, has been part of various key operations and military exercises, representing India internationally, including in France's Orion exercise. These fake reports aim not only to damage the reputation of Shivangi Singh but also to create unnecessary confusion and panic among the public.
This misinformation surge coincided with rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly due to India’s ongoing Operation Sindoor, a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response to these heightened tensions, Pakistan has seemingly escalated efforts to spread disinformation in an attempt to mislead the public and manipulate perception.
The PIB, in its official statement, urged citizens to rely solely on information provided by verified sources such as the PIB, the Indian Air Force, and other official government channels. The government body emphasized the importance of verifying news before sharing, especially with the rise of social media hoaxes that can spread rapidly.
Authorities have warned against trusting unverified content, which can fuel unnecessary panic and confusion, especially during sensitive times when national security is a priority. Misinformation can easily be manipulated to harm the reputation of the armed forces and create a false sense of insecurity among the public.
As the situation evolves, the PIB continues to monitor these false claims and take necessary action to curb the spread of fake news. The public is reminded to stay informed and always check the authenticity of news from reliable and official sources. The Indian government, through its fact-checking bodies, is committed to ensuring that accurate information is disseminated and that disinformation campaigns do not succeed in misguiding the public.
The issue highlights the need for vigilance in the digital age, where the spread of misinformation can have serious consequences. For now, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh remains a respected and prominent member of the Indian Air Force, undeterred by the malicious claims circulated on social media.
In conclusion, while misinformation continues to spread, the PIB's swift action ensures that the truth prevails, and citizens are encouraged to verify news from trusted sources to avoid falling victim to such hoaxes. The efforts to protect the truth regarding Shivangi Singh and her work as an IAF pilot stand as a testament to the importance of accuracy and integrity in reporting.
