Diplomat Correspondent
Leh: DD, Ladakh Police have registered a case after a ‘deepfake’ video falsely attributing statements to Director General of Police (DGP) S D Singh Jamwal went viral on social media.
The digitally morphed clip showed the DGP claiming that the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was carried out on the directions of the Defence Minister.
The Cyber Unit of Leh District Police, in a statement, said the video was “digitally manipulated using Deepfake AI with malicious intent and has the potential to disturb peace and harmony in the region.” The police clarified that the remarks attributed to the DGP were fabricated and warned of strict legal action against those creating or spreading such content.
On the basis of its findings, police have registered FIR No. 148 at Police Station Leh under sections 353(2) and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act, 2000, which deal with identity theft, impersonation and the use of computer resources for fraudulent purposes.
Officials said efforts are underway to identify the original creators and circulators of the deepfake clip, with technical analysis and digital forensics being deployed.
“Such misinformation shall be strictly dealt with as per law. We appeal to citizens to verify the authenticity of content before sharing it. If anyone comes across misleading videos, they should immediately inform Cyber Cell Leh,” the statement added.
The case has surfaced at a sensitive time in Ladakh, where tensions remain high after the September 24 violence in Leh that left four civilians dead and nearly 90 injured during protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory.
On September 26, police arrested prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose detention has become a flashpoint in the political standoff between local groups and the Centre. [KNT]