AI-Generated Tiger Image Sparks Unnecessary Panic in Leopard-Prone Junnar
The Forest Department in Pune has confirmed that a viral photograph, which allegedly showed a tiger roaming in a village in Junnar taluka, was entirely generated using Artificial Intelligence. This fake image caused significant fear among local residents, who are already dealing with frequent and dangerous encounters with leopards in the region.
The Viral Claim and Subsequent Investigation
The incident came to light after a resident of Mangrul village, Nitin Laxman Minde, gave an interview to a YouTube channel on Monday. He claimed that his child had spotted a tiger and even provided a photo supposedly taken by the child, showing the animal within their property's fence. This news spread rapidly online, amplifying anxiety in the community.
To verify the alarming claim, a team from the Forest Department, led by Range Forest Officer Chaitanya Kamble, immediately visited the area. Upon questioning, Nitin Laxman Minde confessed that he had used an AI tool to superimpose a tiger's image onto a photo taken outside his home. He also admitted that the accompanying video story was fabricated and provided a written statement to the department admitting to the deception.
Legal Consequences and Official Warning
The circulation of this AI-generated image led to unwarranted panic, exploiting the existing tense situation in the area. This development follows recent public outrage in the neighbouring Shirur taluka, where three people, including two children, were killed in human-leopard conflicts, leading to protests and highway blockades.
The Forest Department has issued a formal notice to the individual involved. An officer emphasized that spreading such misinformation is a punishable offence under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Those found guilty can face imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs one lakh.
Officials have urged the public to act responsibly and refrain from creating or sharing false or misleading content on social media. The department has warned that it will not hesitate to take strict action against anyone responsible for causing public fear through rumours and digitally fabricated content.
