Fact Check: Viral video showing customized tractors used by protesting farmers is not from Delhi but Turkey
Viral video showing customized tractors used by protesting farmers is not from Delhi but Turkey
A video of a tractor with metal grills is circulating, claiming it's used by protesting farmers. One Facebook post suggests these farmers appear to be preparing for a war, supported by the Khalistanis.
The caption reads, “The so-called farmers making unrealistic demands from the Gov seem fully prepared as if gearing up for a war against the state. These purportedly poor farmers can afford to modify their tractors but also demand pensions and other stuff from the GoI. It's evident that this protest against the Modi government is politically motivated.”
Fact Check:
The claim is false.
A Google reverse search on the keyframes of the viral clip revealed that it was an Instagram post dated February 1. This post originated from the Turkish media outlet
Furthermore, we identified the text "HATTAT 260G" on the tractor's body. Utilizing this information, we discovered images of the unmodified version of the same tractor model on the website of Hattat Traktor, a company located in Cerkezkoy, Turkey, specializing in the production of multi-purpose tractors. Several Turkish YouTubers also uploaded videos featuring this tractor model.
Subsequently, we located a higher-quality version of the identical video posted on January 31 by a Turkish individual named Emirhan Cengiz on Instagram. The Turkish caption stated: “The original video and owner are mine #agriculture.”
Upon further investigation, we observed that this account featured numerous videos showcasing the modified tractor model and others. Additionally, a TikTok account under the same username shared the viral video. We have initiated contact with this Instagram account, and any updates to the story will be provided once we receive a response. It's essential to note that there are multiple news reports of farmers employing modified tractors during protests, some fitted with hydraulic tools for barricade removal and fire-resistant trailers prepared for countering tear gas shells. A Central Intelligence Agency official, quoted by the news agency ANI, highlighted these modifications and mentioned drills conducted with these adapted vehicles.
Hence, the video is unrelated to the farmers' protests in Delhi; it originates from Turkey.