FARIDABAD: In a shocking case that exposes the dark side of artificial intelligence, a 17-year-old student from Faridabad died by suicide after being systematically blackmailed using AI-generated explicit images and videos of his sisters.
The Class 12 student, whose identity remains protected, was found dead at his home in the Dabua Colony area on Monday. Police investigation reveals he had been under intense psychological pressure for weeks after cybercriminals created and threatened to circulate manipulated images portraying his sisters in compromising situations.
The Blackmail Scheme
According to police officials, the teenager first came in contact with the blackmailers through social media platforms. The criminals used sophisticated AI tools to create photorealistic fake images and videos using innocent photographs of the boy's sisters sourced from his social media accounts.
"The accused used AI software to morph the sisters' faces onto explicit content and then threatened to release this material publicly unless the victim paid substantial amounts of money," revealed a senior police officer involved in the investigation.
Growing Psychological Torment
Family members told investigators that the teenager had been showing signs of extreme stress and anxiety in recent weeks but hadn't disclosed the reason for his distress. The constant threats and fear of his sisters' reputation being destroyed allegedly pushed him to take the extreme step.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. A special investigation team has been formed to track down the cybercriminals behind this sophisticated blackmail operation.
AI Crime: A Growing Threat in India
This tragic incident highlights several alarming trends:
- Rising sophistication of cybercriminals using AI tools
- Increasing targeting of young individuals through social media
- Lack of awareness about digital safety measures
- Urgent need for stronger cybercrime prevention mechanisms
Cyber security experts warn that such AI-enabled crimes are becoming increasingly common, with criminals using easily accessible AI tools to create convincing fake content for extortion purposes.
The Faridabad police have appealed to parents and educational institutions to educate children about cyber safety and encourage open communication about online threats.
