AI-Generated Explicit Images of Kin Lead to a Faridabad College Student’s Suicide

Advertisment


A shocking incident in Haryana’s Faridabad province has raised serious concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes. Rahul Bharti, a 19-year-old college student, committed suicide after being threatened to publicize the obscene photos and videos of his sisters, which were AI-generated. The accused person, identified by the name of Sahil, demanded Rs. 20,000 in order to settle the matter.

Misuse of AI for Cyber Extortion and Blackmail


Rahul Bharti, a second-year DAV College student, was quite distressed for some time before taking his life. It is reported that his smartphone was hacked by Sahil, who then exploited artificial intelligence to create nude photos and videos of his sisters, along with Rahul’s. The victim’s father said that Rahul was not eating properly and used to spend most of the time in the room.

Consequently, as the stress became unbearable, Rahul took a few tablets at 7 p.m. on Saturday. He was immediately rushed to the hospital as his condition worsened, but unfortunately, he died during the treatment.

Advertisment

Family's Complaint and Police Investigation


Police investigation revealed the chat history between Rahul and Sahil. As per the conversation, the accused asked for Rs. 20,000 in exchange for not making the photos and videos viral. Both individuals had many audio and video calls, and eventually Sahill had sent his location and asked Rahul to come to him.

The victim’s father said, “Someone had sent obscene videos and photos of my daughters to Rahul's phone and was threatening to make them viral.” Adding that, “This distressed Rahul. Due to the mental torture, he consumed poison. He was being harassed.”

Rahul’s family also alleges that Neeraj Bharti, who spoke to the victim before the suicide, might also be involved in this case. Moreover, Meena Devi (Rahul’s mother) accused her brother-in-law of the death.

Advertisment

After a thorough evaluation, Investigating officer, Sunil Kumar, said that, “Rahul had consumed poison and was admitted to a private hospital for treatment, where he died during treatment.” In addition, “The case is currently being investigated based on a complaint from his father. The mobile phone is being examined. Appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”

The fatal misuse of artificial intelligence in this case conveys the urgent need for strict global regulation. Without necessary guidelines and legal laws, the technology of artificial intelligence will continue to cause harm.