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Fact Check: Govt debunks viral image falsely claiming to show last rites of Rafale pilot killed in Op Sindoor
India TV Fact Check: Several social media users are claiming that it shows the last rites of a Rafale pilot of the Indian Air Force, who died when India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Fact Check: Viral Image Claiming Last Rites of Rafale Pilot Killed in Operation Sindoor Is Fake
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What’s going viral?
Pakistan-based social media accounts shared a photo of a burning pyre, falsely claiming it showed the last rites of Squadron Leader Rohit Kataria, a Rafale pilot supposedly killed during India’s Operation Sindoor (May 7, 2025). -
PIB’s investigation:
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-check unit confirmed the image is not from 2025 but actually dates back to 2008.
The photo is from Gujarat, showing mass cremations of 15 school girls who tragically drowned in a bus accident near the Narmada canal on April 16, 2008. -
Additional facts:
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No Indian Rafale pilot or aircraft was lost during Operation Sindoor.
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The Indian Air Force confirmed all pilots returned safely after the mission.
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Conclusion:
The viral image is a misuse of an old photo to spread false narratives. Social media users should exercise caution and verify such claims before sharing.