Faridabad Teen Ends Life After Blackmail Over AI-Generated Fake Images of Sisters

A 19-year-old college student from Baselwa Colony in Old Faridabad ended his life after allegedly being blackmailed with AI-generated fake images of his sisters. Police said the student consumed poison at his home on Saturday evening after being harassed for nearly ten days by unidentified cybercriminals.

According to the investigation, the perpetrators hacked into the victim’s phone and created morphed photos and videos using artificial intelligence. They then demanded ₹20,000, threatening to circulate the fabricated visuals on social media if he failed to pay. The relentless threats and humiliation reportedly pushed the teenager, a Bachelor of Commerce student, into deep distress.

Family members told police that the youth had been unusually withdrawn and anxious in the days leading up to the tragedy. On Saturday around 7 p.m., he was found unconscious in his room and rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead during treatment.

Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are tracing the accused through digital forensics. Investigators are examining the victim’s mobile phone, chat records, and social media interactions to identify how the hackers accessed his data and generated the fake content.

Senior police officials confirmed that at least two suspects are involved and that a cyber team has been assigned to track their digital footprint. Authorities have also appealed to the public to report such online blackmail incidents promptly, emphasising that no one should give in to extortion threats.

The case has sparked fresh concern over the misuse of AI technology in cybercrimes, particularly in generating deepfake content to harass and extort victims. Experts have urged stronger cyber safety education and swift enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.