In October 2025, an AI-generated deepfake video purportedly featuring Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in an obscene scenario surfaced on social media platforms. The video quickly gained traction, sparking outrage among the public and prompting calls for action against its creators.
The video was allegedly posted by a social media user named Jagman Samra, who has approximately 35,000 followers. Samra defended the video's authenticity and even offered a ₹10 lakh reward for proof that it was AI-generated. He also hinted that more such videos might follow.
Legal Action Taken
In response to the incident, the Punjab Police's Cyber Crime Branch in Mohali registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Jagman Samra. The FIR was filed based on the statement of Inspector Gaganpreet Singh and invokes several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.
Authorities have confirmed that the video was intentionally created to harm the image of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The police are actively tracing the IP address and location of the user to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The Cyber Crime team is also investigating whether others were involved in the creation or dissemination of the content. Police have urged the public not to share the video and warned of stringent action against those propagating misinformation.
Implications and Concerns
This incident underscores the growing threat posed by deepfake technology, which can be used to create highly realistic but entirely fabricated videos. Such videos can damage reputations, spread misinformation, and incite public unrest.
The rapid dissemination of the video on social media platforms highlights the challenges in controlling the spread of such content. The involvement of AI in creating these videos adds a layer of complexity, making it difficult to distinguish between real and fake content.
The Punjab Police's swift action in registering an FIR and initiating an investigation sets a precedent for handling cases involving deepfake technology. It also sends a strong message about the seriousness with which such offenses are viewed and the commitment to upholding the dignity of public figures.
Broader Context
This incident is part of a larger pattern of deepfake-related issues in India. Public figures across various sectors have reported instances of their likenesses being misused through AI-generated content. For instance, actor Akshay Kumar recently approached the Bombay High Court after discovering deepfake videos depicting him as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which led to protests in multiple regions.
Similarly, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has highlighted the threat posed by deepfake technology, noting that criminals are increasingly using AI to clone voices, mimic identities, and create lifelike videos that can manipulate people.
In response to the growing concerns, the Indian government is reportedly taking a techno-legal approach to build a framework to check deepfakes.
The registration of an FIR against Jagman Samra for posting an AI-generated deepfake video of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann marks a significant step in addressing the misuse of deepfake technology in India. It highlights the need for robust legal frameworks and technological solutions to combat the spread of such deceptive content.
As AI technology continues to advance, it is imperative for both the public and authorities to remain vigilant against its potential misuse. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of digital literacy, responsible content sharing, and the need for stringent measures to protect individuals and public figures from harm caused by deepfake videos.
