Cybercrime – Maharashtra Police Probe Alleged AI-Manipulated Videos Targeting Top Leaders
Cybercrime – Maharashtra Cyber Police have launched an investigation after registering a First Information Report (FIR) over the alleged circulation of AI-generated and digitally altered content involving Union Minister Piyush Goyal, along with objectionable material targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The case was initiated following a complaint submitted by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) social media functionary, who alleged that manipulated posts and videos were widely shared across multiple online platforms during recent student protests.
FIR Registered Under Multiple Legal Provisions
Officials confirmed that the Maharashtra Nodal Cyber Police have filed the FIR against unidentified individuals and started a detailed investigation to determine those responsible for creating and distributing the disputed content. The case has been registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 318(2), 336, 352, 353(1), 353(2), 356(1), and 356(2). In addition, Sections 66(D) and 67 of the Information Technology Act have also been invoked, reflecting the cyber-related nature of the alleged offences.
Investigators are examining the digital trail associated with the content and assessing whether advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, were used to manipulate videos and images.
Complaint Raises Concerns Over Edited Video
According to the complaint, one of the disputed videos was shared through a Facebook account identified as “Maharashtra Dharma.” The accompanying caption allegedly claimed that Union Minister Piyush Goyal had called for protesters to be publicly hanged while referring to them as “cockroaches.”
The complainant stated that the video appeared to show the minister making controversial remarks. However, after comparing the clip with an original video released by a recognised news agency, he concluded that the circulated version had allegedly been altered through digital editing or generated using artificial intelligence, changing the context of the minister’s actual remarks.
Additional Social Media Posts Under Investigation
The complaint also referred to several other posts allegedly shared across different social media platforms. Among them was an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was claimed to have been digitally manipulated before being uploaded to Facebook.
Authorities are also examining an Instagram video containing objectionable material as well as another clip that allegedly included abusive language directed at the Prime Minister. Investigators are reviewing whether these posts violated existing cyber laws and whether they were part of a coordinated effort to spread misleading information online.
Police Focus on Identifying Account Operators
According to the complaint, the purpose behind circulating the disputed material was to create misinformation, influence public opinion through false narratives, and disrespect individuals occupying constitutional offices. Investigators are working to establish whether the content was intentionally modified to misrepresent public figures and provoke public unrest.
Cyber police officials said technical teams are tracing the origin of the posts and attempting to identify the individuals operating the social media accounts linked to the case. Digital evidence is being collected, and authorities are expected to examine account activity, upload histories, and other electronic records as part of the investigation.
Officials have not announced any arrests so far, and the identities of those allegedly responsible remain unknown. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the authenticity of the disputed content and whether any additional individuals or online accounts were involved in its circulation.