Overview
- The PDFs, which spread Wednesday across WhatsApp and X, mimicked government orders with titles like “War Lockdown Notice” and a Delhi “partial lockdown” release and sparked real concern.
- Users who opened the files found an “April Fool” message and clown or jester imagery instead of any directive, confirming the notices were a prank.
- The Government of India has announced no lockdown, and Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said there is no such proposal under consideration.
- Police are tracing the origin of the hoax, and officials urged people to avoid forwarding unverified alerts and to verify claims on PIB or ministry websites.
- The scare gained traction due to tension in West Asia and recent remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about COVID‑style preparedness, which made official‑looking messages more believable.