A video claiming that a “188-year-old man” was rescued from a cave near Bengaluru has gone viral on social media, causing quite a stir. Shared widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), the footage shows two men assisting a frail, elderly man with a white beard and walking stick, claiming he had lived in isolation for over a century. The video quickly amassed millions of views and sparked intense debate over its authenticity.
The Truth Behind the Viral Video
Despite the excitement generated by this extraordinary claim, fact-checkers and online platforms have debunked the story. Multiple sources, including fact-checking platforms and news outlets, have confirmed that the elderly man in the video is Siyaram Baba, a 109- or 110-year-old Hindu saint from Madhya Pradesh, not 188 years old as suggested by the viral post
The Origins of the Misleading Claim
The confusion began when the video was shared by a user on X, captioned with the sensational claim that the elderly man was 188 years old. This quickly caught the attention of social media users, many of whom were shocked by the possibility of someone living to such an advanced age. However, upon closer investigation, it was revealed that the man in question is Siyaram Baba, a well-known saint from the Khargone district in Madhya Pradesh. Various fact-checking agencies and news outlets swiftly pointed out that while he is indeed elderly, he is not anywhere near 188 years old
Clarification and Response
X (formerly Twitter) added a disclaimer to the original post, labeling it as misinformation. Reports from Navbharat Times, shared by platforms like D-Intent Data and Republic World, identified Siyaram Baba and explained that the age claim was grossly exaggerated The saint has a strong following in India, and his age has been reported in the past as between 109 and 110 years. Followers of Siyaram Baba have also dismissed the exaggerated claims, and videos from his official Instagram account provide a clearer, more accurate portrayal of his life
Public Reactions and Media Frenzy
As with many viral videos, this story quickly spread across various social media platforms, fueling curiosity and skepticism in equal measure. While some users were fascinated by the idea of a “188-year-old man,” many others raised questions about the credibility of the claim. Fact-checkers were quick to step in, ensuring that the real story behind the video reached a wider audience.
The incident highlights the importance of verifying facts before sharing viral content, particularly when extraordinary claims are made. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, platforms like X have become more vigilant in marking posts that may mislead the public.
Conclusion
The viral claim that a 188-year-old man was rescued from a cave near Bengaluru has been debunked as a hoax. The man in the video is Siyaram Baba, a Hindu saint believed to be around 110 years old. While the story captured public attention and sparked conversations online, it ultimately serves as a reminder of the need for critical thinking and fact-checking in the age of social media.
The story continues to be discussed on social platforms, but with fact-checkers setting the record straight, the fascination around the viral video has begun to subside.
