Rumor Scanner Debunks Claim of Bangladeshis Ruining Indian Crops

Fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner has debunked a claim by Indian media outlet Republic Bangla alleging that Bangladeshis infiltrated Indian territory to destroy crops.

The viral video, shared widely on social media, claimed that Bangladeshis crossed the Malda-Sukdevpur border at night to damage Indian farmland. However, Rumor Scanner’s investigation revealed the video actually shows Bangladeshi farmers in Meherpur destroying their own cauliflower crops due to frustration over low market prices.

The original video was first posted on the Facebook page of Maasranga Television on January 1, with the caption: “Farmers of Meherpur are destroying cauliflower in the fields after not getting the desired price.”

Further analysis confirmed the incident occurred in Gangni Upazila of Meherpur district, where cauliflowers were being sold for just 1 taka per piece. Farmers, unable to recover production costs, destroyed the crops in protest.

A report by Nagorik TV on January 2 provided additional details, corroborating the farmers’ frustration over unfair pricing. Multiple Bangladeshi media outlets also reported on the incident, debunking the claim of cross-border infiltration.

This investigation highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing, as misleading claims can escalate tensions unnecessarily.