No, video does not show protests against Telangana govt's anti-encroachment wing

What is the claim?

A video showing people running behind a bulldozer with sticks has circulated online, claiming to depict protests against 'HYDRAA,' the Telangana government's new anti-encroachment wing.

The 15-second video was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user who wrote in Telugu that "people's patience levels have fallen; they are revolting against HYDRAA." Other users claimed that the Congress government in Telangana "would be removed" soon. Archive links to such posts can be found here and here.

Claims made on social media (Source: X/Facebook/Modified by Logically Facts)

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Wing, known as HYDRAA, was established by the Congress government in Telangana in July 2024. Its purpose is to protect Hyderabad's water bodies from encroachments. 

HYDRAA has statutory authority to notify buffer zones around water bodies, demolish structures in these zones, and remove illegal constructions. In September, HYDRAA demolished several under-construction buildings and commercial structures found within these buffer zones, prompting protests against the agency.

However, the viral claim is misleading. Although protests against HYDRAA have taken place, this particular video originates from Rajasthan, not Telangana.

What did we find?

A reverse image search led us to an India Today report dated September 22, 2024, which featured a clearer snippet of the now-viral video. The report indicated that the footage was filmed in the Roopgarh area of Ajmer, Rajasthan, where a man was killed during a violent clash between two groups. The conflict arose over the construction of a shop on a contested piece of land, which had allegedly been improperly leased by the village head.

On September 22, one group arrived at the site with excavators, leading to a confrontation between the two groups. According to The Hindu, an unidentified individual opened fire during the clash, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.

A comparison of viral video and the image published by The Hindu. (Source: bX/TheHindu)

Several news outlets, including Aaj Tak and ABP News, reported similar details about the incident, accompanied by visuals similar to the now-viral video.

Om Prakash Meghwal, Inspector General of the Ajmer Range, issued a press statement about the incident, which was shared on X by news agency IANS (archived here) on September 22, 2024. Meghwal informed the media that one person injured in the clash was receiving treatment, and a JCB (excavator) and two cars had been seized. He also noted that a further investigation was underway.

While protests against HYDRAA have been held in Telangana, there have been no reports of violence or vandalism during these demonstrations as of October 4, 2024.

The verdict

An unrelated video of a violent clash over a land dispute in Rajasthan's Ajmer district has been falsely presented as footage of protests against the Telangana government's anti-encroachment body in Hyderabad.