Fact check: Was the viral video of 'Russia-based model' hitting an elderly man filmed in India or Bangladesh? Here's the truth

A shocking video has surfaced on social media, showing Russia-based model and influencer Monika Kabir in a heated altercation with an elderly man on the streets in the middle of a reel shoot. The clip, reportedly filmed on a busy street in Bangladesh, shows Kabir being harassed on the road, and in response to that, she acted in self-defence. The video has gone viral across social media, triggering intense debate and online outrage. However, as the footage spread rapidly, several netizens began questioning its origin. Some claimed that the incident actually took place in India, fuelling confusion. Let's find out the truth behind it.

As the clip spread online, multiple versions of the video began circulating across X (formerly called Twitter) and Instagram, with several posts presenting misleading claims about the incident. One of such viral posts described Monika Kabir as a "Russian model" and alleged she struck a man after he touched her inappropriately during a reel shoot.

However, the footage, reportedly filmed in Dhaka, Bangladesh, shows the influencer hitting an elderly man after his bag brushed against her during a promotional video for Lira Import.

The clip captures Kabir striking the man with her bags and hands before confidently posing for the camera. While her Instagram caption described the moment as "beauty meets bravery", prompting some viewers to accuse her of staging the confrontation as part of a promotional stunt.

Kabir took to her Instagram and posted the video with a caption reading, 'Where beauty meets bravery.' Step confidently into your day! #reels #fyp #instagram #publicreaction #monicakabir."

As soon as the video surfaced on social media, it quickly sparked debate online. One said, "It's not Bangladesh; it's India."

To which one replied and said, "We don't have those grees rickshaws you kanglu 🤣🤣."

"It's bangladesh 🇧🇩," one wrote. "Green autos, not a thing in India."

While one said, "It looks scripted, you can see the white T shirt guys close when the man went her closure. if it's wrong i apologize for that."

"Isn’t it staged video , camera zoomed in when he is nearing her 😆"



Moreover, as the incident gained widespread attention across several local news channels in Bangladesh, Monika Kabir later shared one of the viral clips herself and offered further clarification about what had happened, reported NDTV.

According to reports available online, there is little verified personal information about the influencer Monika Kabir. On social media, she presents herself as a 'Russian model' with Indian heritage. She has claimed that she was born in Moscow to an Indian father and a Bangladeshi mother, often highlighting her Russian upbringing.



Some reports say her businessman father had relocated to Russia before she was born, though online discussions have also suggested possible links to the Rajshahi District in Bangladesh.

Additionally, over the past year, Kabir has been working in Bangladesh and regularly posts lifestyle, travel and fashion-related content.