Dev Slams ‘Fake’ Viral Video: “Bengal Never Believed in Hatred”

New Delhi, May 8, 2026 — In the wake of a seismic shift in West Bengal’s political landscape, superstar-turned-politician Dev Adhikari has broken his silence regarding a viral video that appeared to show him being heckled by a crowd. The actor, who has long been the face of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Ghatal, labeled the footage “altered and manipulated,” asserting that such “malicious propaganda” is a stain on the true culture of Bengal.

The controversy erupted shortly after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, which saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secure a landmark victory, ending 15 years of TMC governance.

The Controversy: Fact vs. Fiction

The video in question, which spread like wildfire across social media platforms, depicted Dev moving through a dense crowd under heavy security. In the audio accompanying the clip, voices could be heard chanting “chor, chor” (thief, thief)—a slogan frequently used during the heated election campaign.

However, Dev took to Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight, sharing the original footage alongside the viral version. In the authentic clip, the “chor” chants are absent; instead, the air is filled with the usual roar of supporters and the general clamor of a public event. Dev explained that he was shielding his face in the video not out of shame, but simply to protect himself from the heavy dust in the area.

“Bengal has never believed in a culture of hatred,” Dev wrote in a heartfelt post. “Over the past few days, several altered and manipulated videos of me have been circulated with the intention of defaming and misleading people. Deliberate misinformation and character assassination can never be the culture of our state.”

A Call for Unity Amid a New Guard

The timing of the video’s circulation is particularly sensitive. As the state transitions to a new administration, Dev—who has maintained a reputation as one of the more “gentle” faces of politics—issued a plea for grace and professionalism.

Interestingly, despite his deep ties to Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, Dev was quick to acknowledge the democratic mandate. He congratulated the BJP on their victory and expressed hope that the new government would prioritize the Ghatal Master Plan, a massive flood management project crucial to his constituency.

Dev’s message to the new government included:

• Ending Industry Divisions: He urged the incoming leadership to ensure that the Bengali film industry (Tollywood) remains a space of artistic freedom, free from the “culture of bans” and political polarization.
• Safety and Respect: He called on the authorities to take strict action against digital misinformation, expressing faith that the new government would protect citizens from character assassination.
• Progress Over Politics: He emphasized that while parties may change, the development of Bengal—specifically the completion of the Medinipur flood projects—must continue.

The Broader Impact on Tollywood

Dev isn’t the only artist feeling the heat. The 2026 election results have sent ripples through the Bengali film industry, which has been deeply intertwined with politics for over a decade. While some figures, like filmmaker Raj Chakraborty, have announced their exit from active politics following the TMC’s debacle, Dev seems intent on navigating the new reality with a focus on “mutual respect and coexistence.”

His stance has garnered praise from both fans and some political rivals, who view his call for harmony as a necessary step toward healing a deeply divided state. By addressing the “fake news” head-on, Dev has highlighted a growing concern in modern Indian elections: the use of deepfakes and audio manipulation to settle political scores.

Looking Ahead: “Bike Ambulance Dada”

While the political storm rages, Dev is also looking toward his professional milestones. He is currently preparing for the release of his 50th film, Bike Ambulance Dada. Based on the inspiring true story of Padma Shri awardee Karimul Haque, the film represents a return to the “people-centric” storytelling that Dev hopes will transcend the bitterness of the recent polls.

As Bengal enters this new chapter, Dev’s message remains clear: Governments may rise and fall, but the “heart of Bengal”—built on harmony and culture—must remain intact. He has requested his followers not to share unverified content, reminding everyone that in the digital age, the truth is often the first casualty of war.