New Delhi: The Delhi Police have arrested a 24-year-old YouTuber for allegedly creating and circulating an AI-generated video that falsely depicted a senior police officer molesting a female journalist during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
The accused, identified as Nadeem Ahmed, is a resident of Haryana and allegedly runs a YouTube channel called News Aiyna, which was launched around April and has around 24,000 followers, according to police.
The arrest comes days after independent journalist Rosy accused Delhi Police officer Vivek Bhagat of sexual harassment while she was covering the detention of protesters at Jantar Mantar on October 3.
Following the allegations, images and videos purportedly showing the officer misbehaving with and molesting the journalist went viral on social media. The Delhi Police subsequently launched an investigation into the authenticity of the material.
Police Trace Viral Content To YouTube Channel
According to police, the social media monitoring unit traced the account from which the controversial images were being circulated. The investigation led officers to Ahmed and his YouTube channel, News Aiyna.
Police said several AI-related tools were recovered from Ahmed. Investigators have alleged that he created the material using artificial intelligence with the intention of portraying the Delhi Police in a negative light.
The police further claimed that Ahmed admitted to creating and circulating the AI-generated material.
‘Motive Was To Spread Anarchy’
The Delhi Police alleged that the fake material was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at disturbing public order and spreading anarchy.
“His motive was to spread anarchy,” police said, adding that sections related to rioting have also been included in the FIR.
Investigators are now examining whether other individuals were involved in the alleged conspiracy. Police are also probing whether Ahmed was acting at the behest of someone else and whether the creation and circulation of the material had been planned in advance.
Police Probe Possible Funding, Foreign Links
The investigation is also looking into whether Ahmed received financial assistance for creating or circulating the content and whether there were any foreign links, police said.
Officials are also checking whether he had any connection with the CJP amid the ongoing protests and political controversy surrounding the Election Commission.
Police said Ahmed described himself as an independent journalist during questioning. Investigators also found that he had studied at a madrasa in Saket and had dropped out after Class 10.
The Delhi Police said the investigation is continuing to identify other suspected participants and establish the complete circumstances behind the creation and circulation of the AI-generated content.
