According to a video circulating online, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi expressed “deep regret over the death of Sonam Wangchuck in state custody”. The activist was arrested under the National Security Act following violent clashes in Ladakh on September 24.
Also read: Fake screenshot falsely claims Gautam Gambhir has announced his resignation as head coach of India national team
evidence
There are no reliable reports on Wangchuk’s death or the army chief’s statement.
Searches for keywords such as “Sonam Wangchuck death” and “army chief” yielded no reliable reports. Additionally, Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Ammo’s X account has no announcement regarding Wangchuk’s death.
The original video shows a different context
A reverse image search led to a YouTube video by WION in which a watermark can be seen on the viral footage dated November 27, 2025, showing General Dwivedi at the Chanakya Defense Dialogue. In this original clip, he is not talking about Wangchuk but about reforms and preparations during Operation Sindoor.
The full livestream of his speech also contains no mention of activists.
WION later denied the viral clip, confirming on X that they “did not produce, broadcast, or post this video.”
Signs of AI manipulation
Further examination revealed that there was dirt around the Army Chief’s mouth and that his voice did not match his normal speaking style and tone.
Multiple AI detection tools flagged the audio as fake.
Debunking claims with PIB fact-checking
Calling the video “fake”, the government’s PIB fact-checking arm confirmed that “the Chief of Army Staff did not make such statements.”
Also read: No, COAS General Dwivedi did not say Arunachal should be handed over to China.
verdict
This viral video was manipulated by AI and the claim that General Upendra Dwivedi expressed regret over Sonam Wangchuck’s ‘death’ is completely false.
FAQ
Q1. Did the Army Chief comment on Sonam Wangchuck’s death?
No, the army chief has not made such a statement and there have been no reports of Mr Wangchuk’s death.
Q2. Is Sonam Wangchuck alive?
yes. There are no reliable reports suggesting otherwise.
Q3. How do I know if my video has been manipulated?
AI detection tools flagged the audio as fake, and visual distortions indicated tampered mouth parts.
Q4. Has WION released a viral video?
No, WION has confirmed that it does not create, air, or upload videos.
source of information
YouTube video by WION, dated November 27, 2025
Posted by WION on November 27, 2025
Posted by X PIB Fact Check on November 27, 2025
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