Late Major’s fake audio clip goes viral, hurts family

Mumbai: Late Major Kaustubh Rane’s relatives are pained by a fake audio clip that went viral on a social media platform, which sought to give the impression that the voice reading out an emotional message belongs to his wife, leading to suspicions that cheats would cash in on the situation by starting illegal collection of money in the name of the martyr.

Major Kaustubh Rane's aunt, while seeking necessary preventive measures from the police, has also made an emotional appeal pleading to people not to behave in such a way that it could further hurt the feelings of the grieving family.

The army officer, a resident of Mira Road, had attained martyrdom by sacrificing his life in a fierce gun battle.

The army officer, a resident of Mira Road, had attained martyrdom by sacrificing his life in a fierce gun battle with militants at the Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez sector of north Kashmir's Bandipora district on August 4. Thousands of people attended the funeral and paid their last respects to Major Rane on Thursday.

However, hours later some miscreants have not only created a fake audio clip, but also gave the impression that the voice reading out an emotional message was that of the Major's wife. The audio clip went viral on social media platforms and instant messaging services, especially WhatsApp.

However, condemning such acts, the Major's family has clearly stated that neither have they released any type of audio clip, nor have they appealed  for any type of financial help.

To ensure that nobody falls prey to the evil designs of such anti-social elements and mischief mongers, Major Kaustubh Rane's maternal aunt Varsha Narendra Jadhav, while seeking necessary preventive measures from the police also made made an emotional appeal pleading people not to behave in such a way that could further hurt the feelings of the grieving family.

The Thane (rural) police was also quick to respond and issue a counter post (notice) warning of strict action against those who were found to be forwarding or circulating the clips or any other content, seeking financial assistance in an illegal manner.  

"Following an official complaint received in this context, the cyber cell has started investigations and a special team is trying to trace the origin of the fake audio clip," said a senior official attached to the local crime branch unit.