Did Deepika Padukone delete Instagram Story backing Sonam Wangchuk? Here's the truth

Did Deepika Padukone delete an Instagram Story supporting Sonam Wangchuk? That question has dominated social media over the past two days after a screenshot, purportedly from the actor's Instagram Stories, went viral. Many users claimed Padukone had shared a post backing activist Sonam Wangchuk before deleting it within minutes. However, a closer look suggests the claim has no factual basis.

The image being circulated appears to show Padukone reposting a graphic featuring Wangchuk with the line, 'He is fasting. We are scrolling.'

The screenshot also includes an alleged caption attributed to the actor that reads: 'Why is no one speaking about this? We are living through the darkest hour of democracy. No matter how many films are made to glorify a failed leader, the reality remains unchanged.'

As the screenshot spread rapidly across platforms, speculation intensified that the actor had quietly removed the Story after posting it.

However, there is no credible evidence to support that claim. A review of Padukone's verified Instagram account, along with checks of archived social media activity, shows no record of the Story ever being published.

There is also no independent evidence to indicate that the actor uploaded and later deleted the post.

With no verifiable trail linking the screenshot to Deepika's official account, the image is widely believed to have been digitally manipulated. At present, the claim that she posted and later removed the Story remains false.

This is not the first time the actor has been caught in the middle of viral misinformation.

Earlier this year, a fabricated screenshot claiming to show Padukone reviewing Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' also circulated online. That post, too, could not be traced back to her verified social media account.

Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters 20th day

The viral claim surfaced as concern continues to grow over Sonam Wangchuk's health.

The activist has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after joining the Cockroach Janata Party's protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The protest, which began on June 6, seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and question paper leaks in the NEET examination.

Wangchuk's fast entered its 20th day on Friday. The Delhi High Court is expected to hear a public interest litigation concerning his deteriorating health after a petition sought urgent medical intervention, including hospitalisation, necessary treatment and force-feeding if required.

Doctors monitoring Wangchuk said on Wednesday that he remains 'very weak' despite being under continuous medical supervision. According to the latest medical update, his weight has fallen to 57.15 kg, a loss of 400 grams in the last 24 hours and 8.9 kg since the hunger strike began.

His protest has drawn support from several political leaders and members of the film fraternity, many of whom have appealed to him to end his fast and focus on his health.

Wangchuk, however, has maintained that he will continue the protest and has urged supporters to question why the government has not initiated talks.