Delhi Police on Thursday rejected a viral claim that passports of people involved in violence during the ongoing CJP protest could be cancelled, saying no such decision has been announced.

The clarification came after a report and an X post circulated online suggesting that authorities were preparing to initiate passport-cancellation proceedings against those directly involved in the unrest.

Also Read | Fact Check: Viral claims that Airtel blocked unlimited 5G hotspot usage are false

Time to separate chatter from fact

Via X, the DCP New Delhi said, “The viral claim is misleading. No such decision has been announced to cancel the passports of CJP protestors.”

The police also urged people not to share or amplify misleading posts and to rely solely on official information. The clarification was issued in response to the online claim that Delhi Police had begun identifying individuals allegedly involved in rioting and violent incidents through CCTV footage, video recordings and other technical evidence.

The tale grows legs, but not proof

The claim had gained traction after several reports said that passports of people directly involved in violence during the protest may face cancellation.

One report cited Delhi Police sources as saying investigators were using CCTV footage, video recordings and other technical evidence to identify those allegedly involved in the violence and that proceedings could be initiated in line with legal provisions.

The Delhi Police statement, however, denied that any such decision had been taken.

What remains after the fact check?

The clarification comes against the backdrop of protests near Jantar Mantar, where violence was reported and several police personnel were injured, according to the force.

Delhi Police has said it is investigating the incidents and taking action against those responsible, but Thursday’s statement made clear that the viral passport-cancellation claim should not be treated as official policy or an announced measure.

Also Read | Fact Check: Viral ‘nail baton’ video sparks row after Delhi Police calls claim fake

FAQs

Q1: Will CJP protesters lose their passports?

No, Delhi Police has said the viral claim about cancelling the passports of CJP protesters is misleading and that no such decision has been announced.

Q2: Why did Delhi Police issue a fact-check on the passport claim?

Delhi Police issued the clarification after a viral social media claim falsely suggested that passport cancellation proceedings had been announced against CJP protesters.