Faridabad Teen Dies After Alleged AI Deepfake Extortion

Post by : Raina Nasser

A distressing episode in Faridabad, Haryana, has underscored the dangers posed by AI-enabled deception and online extortion. A 19-year-old college student, identified as Rahul Bharti, reportedly ended his life after being targeted with AI-generated explicit images allegedly showing his three sisters. The case illustrates how synthetic media is being exploited to torment and pressure families.

Police sources say Rahul, a second-year pupil at DAV College, had shown signs of deepening distress for more than a fortnight. His father, Manoj Bharti, told officers his son had withdrawn, stopped eating properly and confined himself to his room. The ordeal began, relatives say, when someone allegedly accessed Rahul’s phone and produced nude stills and clips using AI tools.

Inquiries revealed WhatsApp exchanges with a man named Sahil, who is accused of sending the obscene material and demanding a ransom of ₹20,000 to prevent it being posted online. Screenshots obtained by investigators include multiple audio and video calls and messages such as “aja mere paas”. In later messages, Sahil allegedly threatened to make the recordings public and reportedly urged Rahul toward self-harm if the payment was not made.

On Saturday evening, around 7 p.m., Rahul reportedly ingested poison. His family rushed him to hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. Manoj Bharti said the harassment — including sending explicit images purportedly of his daughters to Rahul’s phone and threatening to release them — left his son devastated.

The family has also accused a relative, named Neeraj Bharti, of possible involvement, alleging previous disputes and a suspected collusion with a woman to carry out the blackmail. Acting on the complaint, police have registered an FIR against two individuals and are conducting a forensic examination of Rahul’s phone for digital evidence.

Investigating officer Sunil Kumar characterised the matter as an instance of AI misuse and cyber harassment, saying authorities are pursuing a thorough probe and will take firm action once technical evidence is confirmed.

Old Police Station in-charge Vishnu Kumar warned this incident is a stark example of how AI tools can be weaponised to destroy lives. He urged citizens to remain alert to synthetic content and to report suspicious messages or accounts without delay.

Rahul Bharti’s death has prompted renewed concern about the rise of AI-driven deepfakes and digital blackmail in India, highlighting the emotional and financial damage such crimes can inflict on victims and their families.