Gurgaon Police arrest man from Assam in a disturbing case involving artificial intelligence misuse and online harassment. The 33-year-old accused, identified as Niloy Banik, was apprehended on November 20 from Guwahati by the Gurugram Cyber Crime (East) police team. Subsequently, he was brought to Gurgaon and placed in judicial custody on Sunday.
The case began when a woman filed a complaint on September 12 at the Gurgaon Cyber Crime police station. She reported that someone had created a fake Instagram account using her name. Moreover, the person was posting morphed obscene photographs and videos on various social media platforms. As a result, she faced severe humiliation and distress.
During the investigation, police discovered that Banik had downloaded the victim’s photographs from her social media accounts. Then, he used AI tools to morph them into nude and obscene images. Furthermore, he created videos that appeared real but were completely fake. Additionally, he made a fraudulent Instagram profile in her name and uploaded inappropriate material there.
According to police spokesperson, Banik admitted during questioning that he knew the victim personally. He confessed to using advanced technology to manipulate her images. In fact, investigators found that this was not his first offense. Previously, he had harassed the same woman in a similar manner and was arrested. Although the Guwahati High Court had granted him bail, he allegedly committed the crime again.
This case highlights a growing concern about AI misuse in cybercrime. Similarly, another incident occurred in Assam’s Tinsukia district recently. There, a man named Pratim Bora was arrested for creating AI-generated pornographic content using a woman’s photograph. Notably, he even monetized this content through subscriptions, earning approximately Rs 10 lakh.
Police recovered one mobile phone from Banik’s possession that he used to commit the crime. Meanwhile, investigators continue working to determine whether other people were involved. Authorities are also checking whether Banik profited financially from his actions.
The rise of AI technology has made it easier for criminals to create realistic fake content. Therefore, experts warn that anyone can become a victim of such crimes. In particular, women face increased risk of online harassment through morphed images and deepfake videos. Consequently, cybersecurity awareness has become more important than ever.
Law enforcement agencies are urging people to be cautious while sharing personal photographs on social media. Additionally, they advise checking the authenticity of content before sharing it further. If someone receives suspicious content, they should verify its source first. Furthermore, victims should immediately report such incidents to the cybercrime police station.
In another tragic case last month, blackmailers used morphed photos to extort a 19-year-old man in Faridabad, leading him to die by suicide. The accused had sent obscene images of the youth and his sisters, demanding money. This incident shows the serious psychological impact such crimes can have on victims and their families.
Police officials emphasize that creating, sharing, or distributing morphed images is a serious criminal offense. Under Indian law, perpetrators can face imprisonment and heavy fines. Moreover, repeat offenders like Banik may receive stricter punishment.
Technology companies are also working to develop better detection tools for AI-generated fake content. However, criminals continue to find new ways to misuse technology. Therefore, public awareness remains the first line of defense against such crimes.
Experts suggest several protective measures for social media users. First, limit who can view and download your photographs. Second, regularly check your online presence for fake accounts. Third, use strong privacy settings on all social media platforms. Fourth, be careful about accepting friend requests from unknown people.
If you become a victim of such a crime, do not panic. Instead, immediately collect evidence by taking screenshots. Then, report the matter to your nearest cybercrime police station. Also, inform the social media platform to remove the fake content. Finally, seek legal advice about further action.
The investigation team deserves appreciation for tracking down the accused across state lines. Their quick action prevented further harassment of the victim. Gurgaon Police arrest man from Assam demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to protecting citizens from cybercrime. As technology evolves, police departments are also upgrading their capabilities to handle such complex cases effectively.
