On Friday, February 2, 2024, the internet was shocked by the news of Poonam Pandey’s death due to cervical cancer. The news was posted on her official Instagram account by her team, who confirmed her demise.
However, the next day 3rd February 2024, Poonam Pandey herself posted a video on the same platform, revealing that she was alive and well. She claimed that her death was a hoax to spread awareness about cervical cancer, a disease that affects millions of women worldwide.
Poonam Pandey Fakes Her Own Death
Poonam Pandey’s publicist initially announced her untimely demise, attributing it to cervical cancer. This declaration came amidst discussions sparked by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s emphasis on cervical cancer vaccination during her interim Budget 2024 speech. Pandey, who gained notoriety for her bold statements and actions in the past, was reported to have succumbed to the disease at the age of 32.
On Friday, February 2, 2024, a post was made from her official Instagram account, which read:
This morning is a tough one for us. Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer. Every living form that ever came in contact with her was met with pure love and kindness. In this time of grief, we would request for privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared.
The post was accompanied by a folded hands and heart emoji, and a picture of Poonam Pandey smiling. The news was also confirmed by her team and her manager, Parul Chawla, who said that she passed away on Thursday night.
The news spread like wildfire on social media, and many fans and celebrities expressed their shock and condolences. Some, however, doubted the authenticity of the news and wondered if it was a publicity stunt or a hoax.
The Truth Behind Poonam Pandey’s Death Hoax
The next day, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, Poonam Pandey herself posted a video on her Instagram account, in which she said:
I feel compelled to share something significant with you all – I am here, alive. Cervical Cancer didn’t claim me, but tragically, it has claimed the lives of thousands of women who stemmed from a lack of knowledge on how to tackle this disease. Unlike some other cancers, Cervical Cancer is entirely preventable. The key lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure no one loses their life to this disease. Let’s empower one another with critical awareness and ensure every woman is informed about the steps to take. Visit the link in the bio to delve deeper into what can be done. Together, let’s strive to put an end to the devastating impact of the disease and bring #DeathToCervicalCancer
She also apologized for hurting anyone’s feelings and thanked her fans for their love and support. She said that she hoped that her stunt would make a difference and that more women would take care of their health.
The Controversy Surrounding Poonam Pandey’s Demise
Poonam Pandey’s death hoax did not go down well with many people, who criticized her for playing with their emotions and for trivializing a serious issue. Some also questioned the credibility of her team and her manager, who had confirmed her death. They accused them of being part of the stunt, and of lying to the public.
Poonam Pandey’s family also faced a lot of trouble, as they were unable to be reached by anyone. They were reportedly in shock and grief and did not know about Poonam’s plan. They were also harassed by the media and the police, who wanted to verify the news and investigate the matter.
