CLAIM
Malayalam news channel Janam TV aired a news report on 28 December 2018, claiming that the students of CH Mohammed Koya Memorial College in Thiruvananthapuram district raised the flags of terrorist organisations – ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The news reported suggested that the incident showed how Islam was ‘strengthened’ by terrorism.
TRUE OR FALSE
The video actually dates back to March 2018, and was shot during the annual day celebrations of the college. The management, speaking to the media several times, has confirmed that it was just a college annual function.
The video dates back to March 2018 when students of the college were celebrating their annual day. According to the management and students, the dress code for the annual day celebration was black, and it had nothing to do with links to terror organisation.
“We were carrying flags representing the different departments of the college, like BCA has one, TTM has another. Wearing black was just part of the celebrations on our annual days, just like most colleges do, following some kind of a dress code.”Sharan Suresh, a final year BCA student to The News Minute
CHIEF GUEST ALSO WEARS BLACK
The chief guest Salim Kumar, had also told TNM that he was asked to wear black as it was the dress code.
The news report on Janam also alleged that the students had scribbled provocative slogans on the walls.
NO TERRORISM GRAFFITI
Aiyoor Sub Inspector (SI) Sajeev, who inspected the college after allegations said, speaking to The Hindu, said:
“Following the report, we had visited the college. We also inspected the toilets as the television report claimed that these had suspicious drawings supporting terrorism. We found only typical drawings found on campuses, with danger signs, pirate faces, and other scribblings. The video of the celebration also did not have anything suspicious.”
JANAM TV’S REPORT GOES VIRAL
This news article soon went viral, with about 17,000 views on its official YouTube channel alone. On Facebook, Janam TV has over eight lakh views for the news article.
The story was also picked by ‘Organiser’, which is affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The same report was also widely shared on Facebook and Twitter. Here are some examples:
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