Haryana Teen Ends Life After AI Deepfake Blackmail

In a shocking case highlighting the misuse of artificial intelligence technology, a 19-year-old college student from Haryana allegedly took his own life after obscene AI-generated images and videos of his three younger sisters were sent to him with threats of extortion.
The deceased, identified as Rahul Bharti, was a second-year college student. According to police sources, Rahul’s mobile phone had been hacked, and using artificial intelligence tools, the culprits allegedly created pornographic photos and videos of his sisters by digitally altering existing images.
Investigations revealed that a man named Sahil had sent these morphed visuals to Rahul via WhatsApp and demanded ₹20,000, threatening to make the content viral on social media if the money was not paid. Disturbed by the threat and unable to bear the humiliation, Rahul reportedly consumed poison and died by suicide.
Police said that WhatsApp chat records recovered from Rahul’s phone confirm the blackmail attempt. A senior officer stated, “The victim was under severe mental distress after being threatened with the circulation of obscene AI-generated videos. We have identified the suspect and launched a search operation.”
Following a complaint lodged by Rahul’s family, the police have registered a case against Sahil and another accomplice under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act for cybercrime, blackmail, and abetment to suicide.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage, drawing attention to the growing misuse of AI-based deepfake technology for harassment and extortion. Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against digital threats and to report cybercrimes immediately through official portals.