Maharashtra Cyber Police Say Viral Video Linked To Payal Gaming Is AI-Generated Deepfake

The Maharashtra Cyber Police have confirmed that a viral video circulating on social media and falsely linked to YouTuber Payal Dhare, popularly known as Payal Gaming, is an AI-generated deepfake.

According to an official certificate issued by the Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra State Cyber Department, the video was examined using advanced forensic and technological tools and was found to have been tampered with and digitally altered. The analysis, dated December 19, 2025, concluded that the clip was created using artificial intelligence-based deepfake technology.

The certification followed a formal complaint filed by Payal Dhare, after which the cyber police registered a criminal case and initiated a technical

investigation.

“The video was analysed using the technology available with the Maharashtra State Cyber Department. It is hereby certified that the aforesaid video has been tampered with and modified. The analysis confirms that the video is a deepfake created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology,” the certificate stated.

Following the confirmation, Payal Dhare took to Instagram to thank the cyber police for their swift response. She urged the public and media outlets to refrain from sharing, speculating or drawing conclusions about the video, adding that legal action is being pursued against those responsible for its creation and circulation.

Police officials have warned that sharing obscene or misleading content online is a punishable offence under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. The provision carries a punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh for a first offence, with harsher penalties for repeat violations.

What is the viral video?

The controversy began last week when an intimate video began circulating widely on social media platforms. Several users made unverified claims linking the woman seen in the clip to Payal Gaming, triggering widespread online speculation.

Soon after the video surfaced, many of Payal’s followers questioned its authenticity, pointing out inconsistencies and alleging that the footage appeared to be AI-generated or morphed. Despite appeals from fans to stop sharing the content, the clip continued to circulate across platforms.

Cyber police have cautioned that further circulation of the video or false attribution to any individual may invite criminal action under cybercrime and obscenity laws.

Earlier this week, the influencer broke her silence with a detailed public statement, asserting that the video had no connection to her life, identity or personal choices. Describing the episode as deeply distressing, she said her name and image were being falsely associated with content she had no involvement in, and categorically stated that the individual seen in the video is not her.

Who is Payal Dhare?

Payal Dhare is a prominent Indian gaming content creator and livestreamer, widely known by her online alias Payal Gaming. She began streaming in 2019 and rose to national prominence after joining S8UL Esports, building a large fanbase in India and overseas.

She is best known for livestreaming popular titles such as BGMI, PUBG, GTA V and Call of Duty, and currently has over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 4 million followers on Instagram.

Last year, she was the only female gamer to interact with Narendra Modi during a meeting with leading Indian gamers to discuss the future of the gaming industry in the country.