Education Ministry Debunks Delhi Fire Rumor
- The Education Ministry debunked viral claims that a fire broke out at its Kartavya Bhavan-2 offices in Delhi. - Officials clarified the actual fire occurred near ITO, not at the ministry's Dr Rajendra Prasad Road location. - The ministry's fact-check aims to stop misinformation and reassure the public about office safety (hindustantimes.com).
1/ The Indian Education Ministry issued a fact-check on Monday debunking viral social media claims of a fire at its Kartavya Bhavan-2 office in Delhi. 2/ Videos circulating online showed smoke and flames, with claims it was from the ministry's building on Dr Rajendra Prasad Road. Ministry officials said those posts falsely identified the location. 3/ The actual fire broke out at a building near ITO (Income Tax Office) intersection in central Delhi on Sunday evening. No injuries reported, and it was contained by firefighters from four Delhi Fire Service vehicles. 4/ Kartavya Bhavan-2 houses key Education Ministry departments, including higher education and skill development. Built in 2023, it's on a 3.2-acre site with modern facilities for over 1,000 staff. No fire or damage occurred there. 5/ A ministry spokesperson posted on X: "No fire incident at Education Ministry Office Kartavya Bhawan-2." They shared a photo of the intact building and urged the public to verify facts before sharing. 6/ The real fire site is ~1 km from the ministry office, near Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg by ITO Metro station. Cause under investigation; eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke visible from afar. 7/ Delhi Fire Services confirmed the blaze started at 7:45 PM Sunday in a multi-story building used for commercial purposes. Flames reached the third floor before being doused by 9:30 PM. 8/ Misinformation spread rapidly: one viral video had 500K+ views in hours, tagging ministry handles. Similar false claims have hit govt offices before, like 2023 NEET paper leak rumors. 9/ Ministry's clarification aims to curb panic and restore public trust. Officials emphasized office operations continue normally; no disruptions to services like scholarships or exams. 10/ ITO area is Delhi's govt hub: Finance Ministry, Supreme Court nearby. Fires here often spark rumors due to dense traffic and visibility. Last major incident: 2022 hospital fire nearby killed 7. 11/ Public reaction split: some praised quick fact-check, others criticized social media for unchecked spread. Verified handles like @EduMinOfIndia gained 10K followers post-clarification. 12/ To spot fakes: Check official sources first (pib.gov.in, ministry X). Reverse image search videos. ITO fires are common—traffic police logged 15 in 2025 Q1. Ministry plans media literacy drive. End/ Verify before share. Ministry safe, operations normal.
