Nashik: A fake photo of a leopard allegedly spotted in Nashik's Jejurkar Mala area went viral on social media, causing widespread panic among local residents. It was later revealed that the photo was a fake,
created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In a joint operation, the forest department and police tracked down a college student who had mischievously circulated the photo. He was brought to the Nashik City Cyber Police Station for further investigation. During questioning, he confessed to his crime, and further legal action is underway.
The AI-generated photo circulated widely on WhatsApp groups of residents in the Jejurkar Mala area. The photo showed a leopard roaming on the road, causing panic among the residents. Children became afraid to go outside, and some people stopped venturing out of their homes at night.
Since there have been actual incidents of leopard attacks in Nashik city and surrounding areas (e.g., Artillery Centre or Pimpalgaon Khamb area), this fake photo further intensified the atmosphere of fear.
Taking serious note of the matter, the Nashik Forest Range Office and Adgaon Police Station jointly launched an investigation. The investigation revealed that the photo was created using AI tools. The college student who circulated the photo was soon identified.
