By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 14 Sep,2025

Viral Claim of Muslim Driver Deliberately Hitting Ganesh Procession in Karnataka’s Hassan is False

Introduction

A disturbing video from Hassan district in Karnataka recently went viral on social media, showing a truck colliding with a Ganesh immersion procession. Within minutes, claims began spreading that the truck’s Muslim driver had deliberately rammed into the devotees. The narrative quickly picked up political and communal overtones, fueling anger and misinformation online.

However, a detailed verification by local authorities and fact-checkers confirms that the claim is false. The incident was an accident caused by brake failure, and there was no communal intent involved. Here’s the full breakdown of what happened, how the misinformation spread, and why fact-checking such claims is crucial.

The Incident in Hassan

On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi immersion, hundreds of devotees had gathered in Hassan to participate in the festive procession. Music, chants, and celebrations filled the air as people walked alongside decorated idols.

During this time, a goods truck coming down a slope reportedly lost control due to brake failure. The vehicle collided with part of the crowd before finally coming to a halt. Some people were injured, and the incident caused panic among the participants.

While police and locals rushed to provide assistance and take the injured to hospitals, a different story was already brewing online.

Viral Misinformation

Shortly after the video surfaced, several posts on social media began alleging that the truck driver, identified as a Muslim man, had intentionally driven into the Hindu religious procession. Some captions claimed it was a “planned attack” on devotees, while others linked it to broader communal tensions.

These unverified claims spread rapidly across platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), receiving thousands of shares and comments.

What the Police Said

Karnataka Police immediately stepped in to investigate the matter. Their findings were clear:

• The truck’s brakes failed, leading to the loss of control.

• The driver did not deliberately target the procession.

• Technical inspection of the truck confirmed mechanical failure.

• The driver cooperated with the investigation and was not found guilty of any communal motive.

Police also appealed to citizens to avoid sharing false claims that could trigger unnecessary communal unrest.

Fact Check Findings

Independent fact-checkers also verified the case:

1. Video Verification – Footage of the incident showed the truck losing speed and swerving, which matched the explanation of brake failure rather than deliberate ramming.

2. Driver’s Identity – While the driver’s religion was highlighted in many false claims, officials confirmed that religion had no role in the incident.

3. Local Witness Accounts – Eyewitnesses present at the procession confirmed that the truck appeared to be out of control, with the driver frantically trying to stop it.

Thus, the widely circulated communal claim is false.

Why the Claim Spread So Fast

Misinformation thrives during emotionally charged moments, especially when religion is involved. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is deeply significant to millions of Hindus, and any harm to devotees during such events naturally sparks outrage.

Social media algorithms also amplify sensational claims more than verified reports, making false stories spread faster than the truth. In this case, communal narratives gained traction because they appealed to existing biases and fears.

The Dangers of Fake News in Communal Contexts

False claims like this can have serious consequences:

• Fueling Tensions – Communal misinformation can increase hostility between communities.

• Distracting from Facts – Instead of focusing on road safety and vehicle maintenance, the conversation shifts to divisive narratives.

• Triggering Violence – In extreme cases, such rumors can lead to mob attacks or riots.

This is why it is vital for citizens to pause, verify, and rely on credible sources before forwarding or reacting to such stories.

Lessons from the Hassan Incident

The Hassan case highlights some important takeaways:

1. Accidents Can Happen – Not every unfortunate event has a communal angle. Mechanical failures on trucks are not uncommon in India.

2. Verify Before Sharing – Always cross-check with police statements and reputable news outlets.

3. Social Media Responsibility – Users should understand the impact of their shares. One false post can escalate into mass panic.

4. Need for Better Infrastructure – While misinformation must be tackled, authorities should also ensure stricter vehicle checks to avoid such tragedies.

Conclusion

The viral claim that a Muslim driver deliberately rammed a truck into a Ganesh procession in Karnataka’s Hassan is false. The reality is that it was an accidental mishap caused by brake failure, with no communal motive involved.

This incident is a reminder of how quickly misinformation can turn an accident into a communal controversy. As responsible citizens, we must verify information before believing or sharing it. Trusting verified reports over viral posts is the only way to prevent communal disharmony and ensure peace.