Key Takeaways
- 19-year-old Rahul Bharti died by suicide after being blackmailed with AI-generated fake nude content
- Blackmailer ‘Sahil’ demanded ₹20,000 and threatened to share fake photos/videos online
- Family suspects relative’s involvement; police registered case under abetment to suicide
- Investigation focuses on cybercrime and AI misuse aspects
A 19-year-old college student from Faridabad died by suicide after being blackmailed using AI-generated fake obscene photos and videos of himself and his three sisters. The blackmailer demanded money and threatened to share the fabricated content online.
AI Deepfake Blackmail Case
Rahul Bharti, a second-year DAV College student, had been distressed for about 15 days before his death. His father Manoj Bharti stated that someone hacked Rahul’s phone and used artificial intelligence to create fake nude photos and videos of Rahul and his sisters.
From Blackmail to Tragedy
The blackmailer, identifying as ‘Sahil’ in chats, sent the fake content and demanded ₹20,000. In their final conversation, Sahil threatened to share the material on social media if Rahul didn’t pay. Shockingly, Sahil even encouraged Rahul to end his life and suggested lethal substances.
Distressed by the threats, Rahul consumed tablets around 7 pm on Saturday. His condition worsened, and despite being rushed to hospital, he died during treatment.
Family Suspects Relative’s Involvement
Rahul’s family suspects Neeraj Bharti might be involved in the case. Rahul’s mother Meena Devi accused her brother-in-law of playing a role, citing a dispute six months earlier. She claimed he planned the act with a girl. Police have registered a case against two individuals based on the family’s complaint.
Police Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case under Section 108 (abetment to suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Old Faridabad police station. The accused Sahil is being questioned.
Investigating Officer Sunil Kumar confirmed: “Rahul consumed poison and was rushed to a private hospital, where he later died during treatment. The investigation is underway based on a complaint filed by his father, and Rahul’s mobile phone is currently being examined.”
Old Faridabad Police Station in-charge Vishnu Kumar described the incident as “a serious case of cybercrime and misuse of AI technology.”
