Galgotias row: 'Corona killed by sound' study from 2020 retracted, screenshot trends amid AI Summit disaster

The controversy erupted during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where Professor Singh introduced "Orion," a quadruped robot, presenting it as an in-house innovation developed under a university "Centre of Excellence."

• Galgotias hit by retracted paper and robodog controversy
• A 2020 research paper was retracted for misleading information
• University admits mistake in presenting commercial robot as in-house

Did our AI summary help?

Galgotias University is grappling with mounting reputational pressure as a fresh controversy resurfaces alongside the ongoing "robodog" row.

An old 2020 research paper authored by Dharmendra Kumar, affiliated with the university, has begun circulating online in the wake of the recent uproar.

The study, titled "Corona Virus Killed by Sound Vibrations Produced by Thali or Ghanti: A Potential Hypothesis," was published in the Journal of Molecular Pharmaceuticals and Regulatory Affairs in 2020.

Latest reports suggest the paper has since been retracted. A screenshot widely shared on social media shows a retraction notice stating: "This article have been RETRACTED by publisher from all the platforms. The wrong paper has been published due to some technical glitch. The information pertaining in this paper is misleading the readers and creating massive conflicts amid the scientific community. The appropriate actions have been taken on Author, Editor and concerned staff responsible for such act. Apologies for the inconvenience caused."

The resurfacing of the study has added to the university's troubles at a time when it is already facing scrutiny over a separate controversy.

The evolving "robodog" episode has moved from viral embarrassment to damage-control mode. Days after the incident, Galgotias University confirmed it has not suspended Professor Neha Singh, even as her LinkedIn profile currently indicates she is "open to work."

The controversy erupted during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where Professor Singh introduced "Orion," a quadruped robot, presenting it as an in-house innovation developed under a university "Centre of Excellence."

Soon after, observers pointed out that the robot appeared to be the Unitree Go2 - a commercially available model manufactured by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics and sold in India at prices ranging between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh.

By the following day, summit organisers reportedly asked the university to remove its exhibit from the venue.

In a formal apology, Galgotias University attributed the incident to Singh, describing her as "one of our representatives manning the pavilion" who was "ill-informed" and "not authorised to speak to the press."

With the resurfaced retraction notice now circulating alongside the robotics controversy, the university finds itself managing dual reputational setbacks - one rooted in past academic scrutiny and the other in present-day claims about technological innovation.