A misinformation campaign targeting senior citizens in Haryana was effectively neutralized today by the state’s digital monitoring wing, preventing a potential rush at local banks and social justice offices.
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The Rumor: Since early morning, a PDF document titled “Notification regarding increase in Old Age Samman Allowance” was widely shared. It claimed that starting from January 2026, the pension would be hiked by ₹1,000.
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The Investigation: The Fact Check Unit identified several discrepancies in the letter, including an incorrect notification number and a forged signature of a senior official who had already been transferred.
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Government Stance: “We noticed a sudden spike in queries at the CM Window and the Social Justice Department. The Fact Check Unit acted within 60 minutes of the rumor going viral. We want to clarify that any hike in pension is always announced via an official press conference or the Chief Minister’s official handle,” said a spokesperson for the department.
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Action Against Spreaders: The Cyber Cell has been directed to trace the origin of the forged document. Under the IT Act, creating and circulating forged government documents to cause public mischief is a non-bailable offense.
