Galgotias University has retracted a controversial 2020 research paper on coronavirus following renewed scrutiny triggered by the ongoing 'robodog' controversy at the India AI Summit 2026, according to a post shared on X.
The 2020 paper titled 'Corona Virus Killed by Sound Vibrations Produced by Thali or Ghanti: A Potential Hypothesis' had claimed that metallic sound vibrations could neutralise the virus responsible for COVID‑19. The university reportedly withdrew the paper after a note shared by social media user Santosh Yadav surfaced, and stated the paper had been removed from all platforms.
"'Corona Virus Killed by Sound Vibrations Produced by Thali or Ghanti: A Potential Hypothesis.' This article has been retracted by the publisher from all platforms. The wrong paper had been published due to some technical glitch. Information in this paper is misleading readers and creating conflict in the scientific community. Appropriate action has been taken against the author, editor and staff responsible for such an act. Apologies for the inconvenience caused," the note read.
The research, which had already drawn criticism since its publication, faced renewed backlash from scientists and netizens, who condemned the claims as unscientific and irresponsible. The abstract suggested that coronavirus could potentially be "killed via sound vibrations," a statement experts widely dismissed.
The abstract of the research paper read, "Corona virus is spherical or pleomorphic, single stranded, enveloped RNA and covered with club shaped glycoprotein. Corona viruses are four sub types such as alpha, beta, gamma and delta corona virus. There is no special vaccine for this yet. Only supportive therapy is the treatment strategy followed by health professionals. Supportive therapy includes administration of antipyretic and analgesic, maintenance of hydration, mechanical ventilation as respiratory support and uses of antibiotic in viral infections. So there is hope to kill the virus via sound vibrations."
According to sources, Galgotias University has also initiated disciplinary measures against the author and editor involved, though no specific details were disclosed.
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The retraction resurfaced amid the uproar over a separate controversy in which Neha Singh, a communications professor at Galgotias, presented a robotic dog named 'Orion'on DD News, claiming it was developed by the university's Centre of Excellence.
As the video went viral, social media users highlighted the robot was actually a Unitree Go2, manufactured by China's Unitree Robotics and commonly used in research and education worldwide. As the episode snowballed into a controversy, the university was asked to vacate the stall at the AI summit.
"We wish to apologise for the confusion created at the recent AI summit. One of our representatives manning the pavilion was ill-informed," a university spokesperson said.
"She was not aware of the technical origins of the product and, in her enthusiasm to be on camera, gave factually incorrect information even though she was not authorised to speak to the press. There was no institutional intent to misrepresent the innovation," the spokesperson added.
ALSO READ: Neha Singh Being Made Scapegoat: Netizens On Galgotias Blaming Her For AI Summit Embarrassment
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