Victim Identified as DAV College Student
The deceased, identified as Rahul Bharti, was a second-year student at DAV College, Faridabad. According to police reports, the accused created morphed images using artificial intelligence tools and demanded ₹20,000 from Rahul. When he failed to pay, the blackmailers allegedly threatened to post the fake images on social media.
The incident took place in Baselwa Colony, where Rahul lived with his parents and three sisters. His family discovered him unresponsive in his room on Sunday morning. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
FIR Registered, Police Begin Investigation
The Faridabad Police have filed an FIR against two individuals one of whom was reportedly a friend of the victim. Both have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act for extortion, criminal intimidation, and cyber harassment.
A senior police officer stated, “We have seized Rahul’s mobile phone and are analyzing chats, call records, and digital evidence. Preliminary findings indicate that the accused used AI-based photo manipulation apps to create fake content.”
AI Tools Misused for Cyber Harassment
The case highlights growing misuse of AI-based image editing tools to create non-consensual fake content. Experts warn that easy access to such technology has enabled a dangerous rise in cyberbullying and sexual blackmail incidents, particularly targeting young women and students.
According to Ministry of Home Affairs data, India has seen a sharp spike in cases involving AI-morphed images and deepfakes in 2024–25. Cyber cells across states are urging citizens to report such crimes immediately through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Public Outrage and Calls for Stronger Digital Safety Laws
Rahul’s tragic death has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger digital safety laws. Several social media users and cyber activists demanded stricter action against AI misuse and faster response mechanisms to protect victims of online blackmail.
“Deepfake technology is no longer a futuristic threat it’s a present-day weapon against privacy and dignity,” said cyber expert Ritesh Bhatia. He urged the government to introduce a comprehensive Deepfake Prevention Law under the IT Act.
Family Demands Justice
Rahul’s grieving family has appealed for justice and stricter punishment for the accused. “Our son was an innocent student. He couldn’t bear the humiliation of such fake images,” said Rahul’s father. “We want those responsible to face the harshest punishment.”
The police have assured that the case will be fast-tracked, and digital forensics experts have been roped in to trace the source of the AI-generated material.
AI, Ethics, and the Law
While artificial intelligence offers immense benefits, its unethical use for creating fake or obscene visuals poses grave risks to individuals’ privacy and mental health. The incident underscores the urgent need for digital literacy and AI ethics awareness, especially among youth and students.
As technology evolves, so must the legal and moral frameworks that regulate its use ensuring that innovation never comes at the cost of human dignity and safety.
