In a concerning development, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a strong advisory to the public after identifying fake social media accounts impersonating two highly respected women officers of the Indian Armed Forces—Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. These fake profiles surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), misleading thousands of followers and exploiting the officers’ growing recognition during the ongoing Operation Sindoor.
Both officers have become household names in recent days for their calm, confident presence during high-pressure media briefings that followed India’s military response to provocations across the border. These brave women have not only become symbols of courage and clarity but also represent the increasing role of women in national defense. It is precisely this visibility that has made them targets for impersonation.
The fake accounts, some even flaunting verified blue check marks, quickly gained traction—Wing Commander Singh’s impersonator account attracted nearly 28,000 followers, while the fake handle under Colonel Qureshi’s name had over 68,000. In a time when the country is on edge, and the public is anxiously following each update, these accounts risked spreading misinformation under the guise of authority and credibility.
The PIB stepped in firmly, stating that neither officer has an official presence on X and that any such accounts are completely unauthentic. “Stay vigilant. Rely only on official sources for authentic information,” the Bureau urged in its post, reminding citizens of the potential harm such impersonation can cause during sensitive national security operations.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a senior officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, has long held the nation’s admiration. She made history by leading India’s training contingent at Force 18, a multinational field exercise involving ASEAN and allied nations—an achievement that inspired many young women across the country. Likewise, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a decorated helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and a first-generation military officer, whose poise during the Operation Sindoor updates earned widespread respect.
This incident sheds light not just on the misuse of social media platforms during times of national stress, but also on how easily public sentiment and trust can be manipulated. It also highlights the need for stronger platform accountability and public awareness in the digital age.
As India remains vigilant along its borders, citizens are being urged to be equally cautious online. In moments like these, when emotions run high and the line between truth and rumor blurs, it becomes more important than ever to pause, verify, and support our armed forces with clarity and caution.
