New Delhi: In today’s age of fake news where everyone and everything is deemed a casualty, Network 18, a big conglomerate has fallen for the trap. Through its many arms, the news network ‘broke’ news of marital discord between the Tripura chief minister Biplab Deb and his wife, and the organisation even went on to allege that a domestic violence complaint had been filed against Deb.

It would have made for sensational news in peak poll season if it hadn’t been fake news. Niti Deb, the alleged victim, took to Facebook to say, “All such news are like…ohh yeah kya hua?? Kab Hua?? Mujhe pata bhi nahi chala??? (When did it happened? How did it happen? I didn’t even know about this?)

By the time she made a statement, the news had been broadcast everywhere, without due diligence. Faced with embarrassment, CNBC-TV 18 deleted its original tweet and accepted its misjudgment.

CLARIFICATION: In light of court documentation, we have deleted the original tweet.



Tripura CM Biplab Deb's wife has filed a divorce petition under Section 10A of Indian Divorce Act 1869. (Section 10A of IDA 1869 is dissolution of marriage by mutual consent.) pic.twitter.com/bQ1IrPn2Fb — CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) April 26, 2019

But moneycontrol.com, another wing of Network 18, still has the story up on its website and the headline reads, “Tripura CM Biplab Deb accused of domestic violence by wife”. The website has also quoted CNN-News 18 as its source.

Tripura CM Biplab Deb has been accused of domestic violence by his wife, after which she has filed for divorce in the Tiz Hazari court of New Delhi.https://t.co/vVSA9be5B6 — moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) April 26, 2019

Quint too has lapped up the fake news and has quoted News 18. Janta Ka Reporter has run the same story, clearly shooting off CNBC-TV18's shoulder. The headline says, "Tripura CM Biplab Deb files for divorce in Delhi, claims CNBC-TV18, deleted earlier tweet claiming allegations of domestic violence".

Tripura CM Biplab Deb’s wife, Niti Deb, has accused him of harassment and sexual violence.https://t.co/0AR03QVAi3 — The Quint (@TheQuint) April 26, 2019

Tripura CM Biplab Deb files for divorce in Delhi, claims CNBC-TV18, deletes earlier tweet claiming allegations of domestic violence by Niti Deb https://t.co/DxqsFC79vt — Janta Ka Reporter (@JantaKaReporter) April 26, 2019

A new left-leaning website news central 24'7 has also broadcasted the fake news.

Tripura CM Biplab Deb’s Wife Accuses Him of Domestic Violence, Files for Divorce



Niti Deb has reportedly filed for divorce at the Tis Hazari court, New Delhi.



Read: https://t.co/DFMTIGu2J7 pic.twitter.com/IVjEnvW8Lv — NewsCentral24x7 (@nc24x7) April 26, 2019

Away from the fake news, the alleged victim is still coming to terms with the fact that she indeed is a victim of domestic violence, although she is unaware of it. She said, “Rumors have no mouth. Only dirty, filthy and sick minds generate for cheap publicity and mileage and importantly when paid high for spreading such dirty rumours to gain political advantage against influential people."