Photo Of Rahul Gandhi With Controversial Preacher Zakir Naik Is Fake

A fake photograph is being shared on social media with a false claim that it shows Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, sitting with controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

BOOM found the original photograph and was able to confirm that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is not in it.

The picture is being circulated with the claim that Gandhi was with Naik in Malaysia and can be seen talking to the preacher about matters related to India.

The Claim

A user on X shared the photo with the caption, "In Malaysia, a patriot, discussing with other patriots about making India strong and powerful. This patriot has been engaged in such patriotism since 2014. Their ancestors have also been dedicated to patriotism since 1946-47."

(Original Text in Hindi: मलेशिया में,एक देशभक्त,दुसरे देश प्रेमीयो के साथ भारत को मजबूत और शक्तिशाली बनाने के बारे में विचार विमर्श करता हुआ ये देश भक्त 2014 से ऐसी ही देशभक्ति में लगी हुई है l इनके पूर्वज भी 1946-47 से देशभक्ति में समर्पित है l)

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What We Found: Viral Photo Is Digitally Manipulated

1. Original Photograph: We traced the original picture through a reverse image search of the viral photo using Google Lens. An Oman-based Facebook page, Arabian Daily, had posted it along with other images on March 23, 2023, with the caption, "In pictures: Dr Zakir Naik Interactions with His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad Al Khalili, Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman, Dr Mohammed Al Maamari Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, and Assistant Mufti Sheikh Kahlan Al Kharousi."

The original photograph does not show any presence of Rahul Gandhi, unlike the viral picture. Additionally, a watermark reading ChatGPT can be seen at the bottom right corner of the viral image.

2. AI Detection Tools Flag Manipulation: To cross-check, we tested the photo with AI image detection tools like Undetectable AI and Isgen AI. Both flagged signs of manipulation in the viral image and confirmed it was fake.