The Punjab Police Cyber Cell has filed a first information report (FIR) against Jagman Samra, a resident of Canada, for allegedly sharing fake videos of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on social media. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) confirmed that the videos were ordered to be removed and warned people against sharing or spreading them further.
The videos, which purportedly show CM Mann, were posted on Facebook by Samra. He reportedly offered a cash reward of ₹5 crore to anyone who could prove the videos were AI-generated. However, AAP immediately dismissed the videos as fake, stating that they were a form of “deep fake” and part of a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
In a social media post, AAP said, “A deep fake video of Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann Ji is being shared on social media by right-wing trolls. This video is completely fake, and an order to remove it has been issued by the honorable court.” The party emphasized that spreading such content is illegal and could have serious consequences for those involved.
The controversy gained wider attention after BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga claimed that former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal was behind the circulation of the videos. The party, however, denied the claim and reiterated that the videos were fabricated and intended to create confusion among the public.
The FIR against Jagman Samra was registered at the Mohali Cyber Cell under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, 2000. The sections cited include 340(2) for using a forged electronic record, 353(1) and 353(2) for making statements that could create public mischief, 351(2) for criminal intimidation, and 336(4) for forgery intended to harm someone’s reputation. In addition, Section 67 of the IT Act, which deals with transmission of obscene material in electronic form, has also been invoked.
Authorities stated that the content uploaded on the Facebook account appeared to be shared with the intention of “promoting enmity” between different groups and was “prejudicial” to public harmony in Punjab. Inspector Gagandeep Singh of the Cyber Cell, who filed the complaint, mentioned that the videos were “vulgar, unlawful, and had the potential to incite hatred, enmity, or ill-will among groups of people.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that the videos may have been AI-generated, making it difficult to distinguish between real and manipulated content. Police officials said the authenticity and veracity of the material would be thoroughly examined during the course of the investigation. The authorities also warned that spreading such content could lead to legal action, and people should be cautious before sharing information on social media platforms.
The case highlights growing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating deep fake videos. Such videos can mislead the public, tarnish reputations, and even incite communal tensions if shared widely. Punjab Police has emphasized that any attempt to spread AI-generated fake content with malicious intent would be treated as a serious offense.
Officials noted that social media users should verify information before sharing it, as fake videos can create unnecessary confusion and unrest. “The use of technology to mislead people and promote hatred is punishable under law,” said a police spokesperson. “Our aim is to ensure public safety and protect the reputation of individuals against false and harmful content.”
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The Punjab government and AAP have taken a strong stance against the spread of fake content involving the Chief Minister. By issuing warnings and coordinating with the Cyber Cell, the party aims to prevent the circulation of misleading material and maintain public trust in official statements and communications.
The incident also underscores the challenge authorities face in monitoring online platforms for AI-generated fake content. While technology provides benefits, it can also be exploited to create videos and messages that appear real but are entirely fabricated. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly relying on cyber cells and AI detection tools to identify and take action against such content.
Experts say that awareness among social media users is key to reducing the impact of deep fake videos. Individuals are advised to report suspicious or unverified content to authorities and avoid sharing it further. Punjab Police officials are also working to educate the public about how to recognize doctored videos and the potential consequences of distributing them.
In this case, the FIR against Jagman Samra marks the first step in holding the person accountable for allegedly circulating harmful AI-generated videos from outside India. Police investigations will continue to determine whether there are other people involved in spreading the material or creating additional fake content.
The AAP’s swift action in dismissing the video and instructing its removal demonstrates the party’s focus on protecting its leadership from false attacks. At the same time, it sends a message to online users that the state is monitoring social media activity closely and will not tolerate attempts to mislead the public or create unrest through artificial intelligence-based manipulations.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have reassured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that those responsible for spreading fake content face legal consequences. The case serves as a reminder of the growing role of technology in politics and the importance of vigilance in verifying information before sharing it online.
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