Cybercrime – Ahmedabad Police Arrest Delhi Preacher Over Alleged AI-Based Identity Misuse
Cybercrime – Ahmedabad Police have arrested a Delhi-based religious preacher for allegedly creating fake social media profiles of a woman from Gujarat and using artificial intelligence tools to generate manipulated content featuring her identity. The action was taken under the city’s ongoing Mission Cyber Rakshika campaign, which focuses on improving online safety for women and addressing cyber-related harassment.
Initiative Focuses on Women’s Online Security
Speaking about the operation, Deputy Commissioner of Police Lavina Sinha said the initiative was launched to identify individuals involved in online abuse and to promote awareness about digital security. According to her, the campaign aims to make social media platforms safer while educating users on protecting their personal information and online presence.
Officials stated that the programme was introduced on May 1 and has already resulted in multiple police cases linked to cyber harassment and impersonation.
Complaint Triggered Detailed Investigation
The case came to light after a woman approached cyber police with allegations that several social media accounts had been opened using her name and identity. She informed investigators that the activity took place between December 2025 and April 2026.
According to the complaint, photographs and videos appearing on these accounts had been altered and published without her consent. Police subsequently launched an inquiry to identify the person responsible for operating the accounts.
Accused Identified as Delhi Resident
During the investigation, officers traced the activity to 27-year-old Sumit Nemchand Sharma, a resident of New Delhi. Police said Sharma was involved in religious preaching activities and managed social media channels where he regularly shared spiritual content and discourses.
Investigators discovered that the accused and the complainant had become acquainted through social media. Their conversations reportedly began around religious discussions and continued over a period of time.
Friendship Allegedly Turned Into Harassment
Police said the relationship later deteriorated after the accused allegedly began making inappropriate remarks. The woman eventually ended communication and cut all contact with him.
Authorities claim that shortly after communication stopped, several fake accounts appeared online using the complainant’s identity. Investigators found that between eight and ten impersonation accounts had been created using edited versions of photographs taken from her public social media profiles.
AI Tools Allegedly Used to Create Manipulated Content
According to police findings, artificial intelligence technology was allegedly used to generate fabricated videos and explicit images. Officials said the manipulated content not only targeted the complainant but also included altered images involving her mother and maternal aunt.
The cybercrime unit believes that the accused produced a large volume of digitally altered material and uploaded it through the fake accounts. Investigators said the content was designed to misrepresent the identities of the individuals involved.
Months of Harassment Led to Police Action
Police reported that the harassment continued for nearly five to six months. During this period, the accused allegedly contacted the woman and claimed he could assist in restoring or managing the fake accounts that had been created in her name.
Following months of distress and repeated incidents of online impersonation, the woman filed an official complaint with authorities. The investigation eventually led to Sharma’s arrest.
Officials stated that more than 100 fabricated images and videos connected to the victim were recovered during the inquiry. The case remains under investigation as cybercrime authorities examine the full extent of the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence and social media platforms.