Deepfake videos aimed at triggering confusion among citizens have been on the rise ever since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack occurred in April. Such videos altered using AI increased considerably during Operation Sindoor and have surfaced once again following the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
One such viral video purportedly showed ADC Leh Ghulam Muhammad making claims that Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
However, the fact-check team at the Press Information Bureau has clarified that it was a fake video altered digitally using artificial intelligence. It also revealed that ADC Leh has made no such statement and warned that deepfake videos are being spread to mislead social media users and cause panic.
The caption of the post by the user @Annutiwarii alleged that "the BJP has caused more damage than India's enemies" and that Wangchuk "appealed to the public to attack BJP offices instead of going after Police." PIB Fact Check has dismissed these claims and shared the original video of ADC Leh.
This is not the first time that such deepfake videos have been circulated online. Earlier, a video purportedly showed Director General of Police (DGP) Ladakh Dr. S.D Singh allegedly claiming that Wangchuk was arrested on the directions of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh without any evidence.
PIB Fact Check has clarified that the Ladakh DGP has made no such statement.
"Citizens are advised to rely only on official sources for verified information," an X post by PIB Fact Check warned, urging citizens to report such fake content. They can send a mail to factcheck@pib.gov.in or call +918799711259.