A viral video alleging that a communal slogan was painted along the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway in Ghaziabad triggered widespread outrage on social media, with claims that the message targeted a specific religious community. Several posts attributed the act to members of the Hindu Raksha Dal and suggested the slogan read, “This road is not for Muslims.”
However, the Ghaziabad Police Commissionerate has firmly denied that any such incident took place within its jurisdiction, calling the viral claims misleading and urging the public not to share unverified content. Authorities have said they are examining the video to determine its authenticity, origin and location. The clarification comes amid heightened sensitivities ahead of Holi, with officials appealing for calm and communal harmony.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage, Police Issue Clarification
The controversy began after a 59-second clip surfaced online showing a group of individuals allegedly painting a communal message in bold letters on a roadside wall. Social media users claimed the location to be the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway passing through Ghaziabad and alleged that the act was carried out by members of the Hindu Raksha Dal. The slogan, widely circulated in posts, was described as exclusionary and inflammatory, prompting anger and concern among citizens who feared it could disturb communal peace.
As the video rapidly gained traction across platforms, the Ghaziabad Police Commissionerate responded publicly. In its statement, the police clarified that no such incident had been reported within Ghaziabad’s jurisdiction and termed the viral claims misleading. Officials said that preliminary checks did not establish the location as Ghaziabad and that further verification was underway.
“The video being circulated on social media does not pertain to Ghaziabad Commissionerate. Citizens are requested not to spread unverified information,” the police stated, adding that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to incite communal tension.
Authorities also noted that the timing of the video’s circulation just ahead of the Holi festival made it particularly sensitive. With festivals often drawing large gatherings and public celebrations, police emphasised that maintaining law and order and communal harmony remains a priority. CCTV footage from relevant stretches, as well as digital analysis of the viral clip, are reportedly being examined to determine the source and authenticity of the video.
Fact-Checks Raise Questions Over Location and Authenticity
Fact-checking reports have further cast doubt on the claims surrounding the video. Observers pointed out inconsistencies between the highway structures visible in the clip and the known design of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway near Ghaziabad. Some reports suggested that the footage may be older or filmed in a different location altogether, though no conclusive confirmation has been made public yet.
The alleged involvement of the Hindu Raksha Dal has also not been officially established. While certain social media accounts named the group in connection with the act, there has been no formal confirmation from law enforcement tying the organisation to the incident. Police officials reiterated that attributing responsibility without verified evidence could inflame tensions unnecessarily.
The incident highlights a recurring challenge in the digital age: the rapid spread of provocative content before its authenticity is established. In recent years, authorities across Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country have grappled with misinformation that has, at times, led to unrest. As a result, police departments have increasingly used their official social media handles to issue timely clarifications and counter rumours.
Civil society members in Ghaziabad have welcomed the swift clarification but stressed the need for continued vigilance. Community leaders have urged residents to verify information before sharing and to approach sensitive content with caution. “In times like these, we must rely on official sources rather than forwards and edited clips,” a local resident said, underscoring the importance of responsible digital behaviour.
At the time of writing, no arrests had been announced in connection with the viral video. Investigations into its origin, timeline and authenticity remain ongoing.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The episode serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can travel and how deeply it can affect the social fabric of a community. Whether the video proves to be recent, old, misattributed or entirely misleading, the reaction it generated reflects genuine anxieties about communal harmony in shared public spaces.
Public infrastructure such as highways symbolises collective ownership and unity. They connect cities, livelihoods and communities transcending lines of faith and identity. To see such spaces allegedly marked with exclusionary messages naturally evokes strong emotions. At the same time, responding to viral content without verification risks amplifying precisely the kind of division such messages seek to create.
Read more: ‘Dark Side of Braj Ki Holi’: Viral Video Sparks Nationwide Debate On Consent And Women’s Safety
