Faridabad student dies after AI-generated image extortion

A tragic case from Faridabad highlights the misuse of artificial intelligence in online crime. A 19-year-old college student, Rahul Bharti, died by suicide after being targeted with AI-generated obscene images of his three sisters, authorities said.

Police records state Rahul, a second-year student at DAV College, showed signs of severe distress for more than two weeks. His father, Manoj Bharti, told investigators that Rahul stopped eating well and stayed isolated. The family says the ordeal began when someone accessed Rahul’s phone and circulated fabricated nude photos and videos featuring him and his sisters.

Investigators recovered WhatsApp exchanges with an individual identified as Sahil, who allegedly sent the fabricated content and demanded a payment of ₹20,000 to avoid publishing it online. Screenshots in the probe include audio and video calls and messages, plus an intimidating line presented in chat as “aja mere paas”. Police say Sahil threatened to release the material and pressured Rahul, at times urging him toward self-harm.

According to the family, Rahul consumed poison at about 7 p.m. on Saturday. He was taken to hospital but succumbed while receiving treatment. His father described the harassment as the main reason that drove Rahul to take this step.

The family has also accused a relative, Neeraj Bharti, of possible involvement, saying past disputes made him a suspect and alleging he may have conspired with a woman in the scheme. Following the complaint, police have registered a case against two people and are examining Rahul’s phone for digital evidence.

Investigating officer Sunil Kumar said the matter amounted to AI misuse and cyber harassment. He added that authorities are conducting a thorough inquiry and will take action once they verify the evidence.

Old Police Station in-charge Vishnu Kumar described the incident as “a serious example of how AI technology is being weaponised to ruin lives.” Officials urged residents to be vigilant about deepfakes and report any suspicious online activity immediately.

Rahul Bharti’s death has drawn attention to the rising threat of AI-driven blackmail and digital exploitation in India — a warning on how fabricated images and videos can be used to harass and extort victims.