Wayanad police nab accused behind AI-generated zipline accident video that caused panic
Police had already identified the digital devices linked to him and had been tracking his movements for several days.
Police had already identified the digital devices linked to him and had been tracking his movements for several days.
Police had already identified the digital devices linked to him and had been tracking his movements for several days.
Kalpetta: The Cyber Wing of the Wayanad police has arrested Ashkar Ali, 28, a native of Thiruvambadi in Alappuzha district, for creating and circulating an AI-generated fake video depicting a zipline accident in Wayanad. The video, widely shared on social media, triggered panic among tourists after it falsely showed a woman, a child and a zipline operator falling into a valley.
Cyber Cell Inspector Shaju Joseph said Ashkar Ali was taken into custody on Monday night. Police had already identified the digital devices linked to him and had been tracking his movements for several days. He has four criminal cases registered against him in Alappuzha district.
Since no formal complaints were received and the fake video posed a serious threat to the tourism sector, the Cyber Cell initiated a suo motu probe. “We should nip such trends in the bud. If left unbridled, they can cause significant damage to society. The accused is being interrogated, and further details on his motive will be revealed after questioning,” said Shaju Joseph.
The viral reel caused confusion and alarm across the district, leading to frantic calls to the police, the fire and rescue services and tourism establishments operating ziplines. Police initially registered a case against an unknown person for AI misuse under the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhitha, before identifying Ashkar Ali as the creator of the fabricated video.