Fact Check: Viral Video Of Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue Vandalised In West Bengal Over SIR, Falsely Linked To Bangladesh
Vishvas News’ investigation confirms that the viral claim is false. The image of the defaced Gandhi statue is from North Dinajpur, West Bengal, and not Bangladesh. The statue was damaged by a mob during a local violent protest against the voter list revision process.
- By: Pallavi Mishra
- Published: Jan 22, 2026 at 02:20 PM
Vishvas News (New Delhi): A photograph of a defaced statue of Mahatma Gandhi is circulating on social media. Users are linking it to recent violence in Bangladesh, claiming that rioters there beheaded the statue.
However, Vishvas News’ investigation revealed that this claim is false. The viral image is not from Bangladesh but from Chakulia in the North Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India, where a BDO office was vandalised during a local protest.
What is in the Viral Post?
Facebook user ‘Anuj Porwal’ shared the post (Archived link) on January 20, 2026, with the caption: “Today, Bangladeshis beheaded Gandhi ji’s statue and placed the head near the statue. Bapu ji went on a hunger strike to give them 55 crore Rupees. He demanded complete non-violence from Hindus and supported the rights of Muslims to protect their religion. How kind these Bangladeshis are.”
Investigation
To verify the authenticity of the claim, we first conducted a Google search using relevant keywords. This led us to a report by The Telegraph dated January 17, 2026, which featured the same visual seen in the viral post.
According to the report, the violence broke out on January 15, 2026, at the Goalpokhar-II BDO office in Chakulia, North Dinajpur, West Bengal, sparked by local grievances over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. An agitated mob of approximately 300 residents, frustrated by notices for a ‘second hearing’ and alleging harassment by officials during the voter verification process, stormed the government premises, leading to arson and the destruction of official files. It resulted in an estimated loss of ₹20 lakh in government property. It is here that the bust of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised and beheaded.
During our investigation, we also found a post on the official X handle of the BJP West Bengal. The post criticised the law and order situation in the state and clearly identified the incident as having occurred in West Bengal.
For further verification, we reached out to Joby Thomas, Superintendent of Police, Islampur Police District, who confirmed that “The incident took place at the BDO office of Goalpokhar-II block. Nineteen persons have been arrested on charges of vandalism at the BDO office, destruction of public property, and attacks on police personnel.”
The Facebook user who shared the viral post, Anuj Gupta, has over 9000 followers.
Conclusion: Vishvas News’ investigation confirms that the viral claim is false. The image of the defaced Gandhi statue is from North Dinajpur, West Bengal, and not Bangladesh. The statue was damaged by a mob during a local violent protest against the voter list revision process.
- Claim Review : Mahatma Gandhi's Statue Vandalised In Bangladesh
- Claimed By : Facebook user 'Anuj Porwal'
- Fact Check : False
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