Sonam Wangchuk Declared ‘Safe and Sound’ Amid Spreading

New Delhi, December 1, 2025: A wave of distress was recently created across social media after a malicious video was circulated, falsely announcing the death of renowned education reformer and environmental activist, Sonam Wangchuk. The deeply unsettling footage, which leveraged sophisticated deepfake technology, prompted an immediate response from his family. Confirmation was swiftly issued by Wangchuk’s wife, who assured the public that the activist was “safe and sound,” thereby decisively debunking the cruel and baseless death hoax.

The Deepfake Death Claim Spreads

The fraudulent video was widely shared on various platforms, often gaining quick traction due to the high profile of its supposed subject. The deepfake footage was engineered to appear as a legitimate news announcement, using manipulated visuals and audio to falsely claim that the activist had passed away. Such videos are frequently created to spread misinformation, cause emotional distress, and undermine public figures.

The distressing nature of the claim led to an immediate outpouring of grief and confusion online. Followers and supporters of Sonam Wangchuk, known globally for inspiring the character in the film 3 Idiots and his recent environmental work in Ladakh, began seeking verification, which quickly turned the hoax into a major viral incident.

Also Read: Dharmendra’s Emotional Breakdown at Esha Deol’s Vidaai

Wife’s Confirmation Quells Panic

In response to the growing panic and the flood of queries, a definitive statement was released by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife. The announcement was shared across official channels, clearly confirming that the activist was “safe and sound” and that the reports of his death were entirely unfounded and malicious. The timely intervention by the family was crucial in stabilizing the situation and preventing further emotional harm to his well-wishers.

The family used the opportunity to address the real danger posed by deepfake technology. It was stressed that the public must exercise extreme caution when consuming unverified and emotionally provocative content, especially videos that appear to convey shocking news about public figures. The incident was cited as a prime example of how digital manipulation is being used to propagate false narratives.

Activist’s Work Continues Unhindered

Despite the disturbance caused by the death hoax, it was confirmed that Sonam Wangchuk’s work continues actively. He has been deeply involved in a high-profile agitation concerning the constitutional protections and environmental safety of Ladakh, including fasts aimed at garnering attention for the region’s fragile ecosystem.

The malicious video is now being investigated by cyber authorities, who are looking into the origin of the deepfake to trace those responsible for creating and distributing the distressing content. The widespread sharing of the clip serves as a sharp reminder of the vulnerability of public discourse to digital manipulation and the importance of relying solely on verified, official sources for sensitive information.