Banks Assure Smooth ATM Services, Ample Cash Supply Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Banks Assure Smooth ATM Services, Ample Cash Supply Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
New Delhi, May 9, 2025
A viral WhatsApp message claiming that ATMs across the country will be shut for 2–3 days has been flagged as completely false by the Government of India, which urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified information.
The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit swiftly addressed the rumour, clarifying that ATMs will continue to function normally and there is no such planned closure.
— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) May 9, 2025
“Are ATMs closed? A viral WhatsApp message claims ATMs will be closed for 2-3 days. This message is fake. ATMs will continue to operate as usual. Don’t share unverified messages,” the official statement read.
With India on heightened alert following recent cross-border escalations, false claims like this risk causing public panic, triggering unnecessary ATM queues, and straining banking services.
Imparting seamless ATM & Digital Banking services.@FinMinIndia @DFS_India #ImportantAnnouncement #DigitalBanking #ATMServices #BankingServices #PNB pic.twitter.com/xQoUW18eUy
— Punjab National Bank (@pnbindia) May 9, 2025
Social Media Flooded with Fake News
The ATM shutdown hoax is just one of several misleading narratives doing the rounds online. Government agencies have flagged a wave of misinformation, much of it traced to Pakistan-based accounts, aimed at manipulating public perception in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps across the border.
Between 10 PM on May 8 and 6:30 AM on May 9, PIB’s Fact Check unit debunked at least eight viral posts and videos. These included:
- A video falsely claiming a drone strike in Punjab’s Jalandhar, which turned out to be a farm fire video predating any military activity.
- Claims that a fictional Army post held by “20 Raj Battalion” was destroyed—fact-checked as fake, since no such unit exists in the Indian Army.
- Circulation of the 2020 Beirut blast video, misrepresented as a Pakistan airstrike.
- Misleading footage alleging a fidayeen attack in Rajouri, which was also proven false.
Fact-Checking Vital During Conflict
These fake narratives are part of a digital disinformation campaign, likely aimed at undermining India’s counter-terror operations and creating confusion among citizens. Officials say Pakistan is using both social media and propaganda videos to reclaim lost ground after its failed military actions.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have soared since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. In retaliation, India launched precision strikes deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
As the situation remains tense, authorities stress the importance of verifying information before forwarding it, especially content shared on WhatsApp, X, or other social platforms.
