Probe Launched Over Objectionable Image of Maithili Thakur and PM Modi

New Delhi, November 21, 2025: The misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has sparked a significant controversy on social media, with authorities initiating a formal investigation into the circulation of an allegedly objectionable, AI-generated image featuring folk singer and politician Maithili Thakur alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The picture, which quickly went viral across various platforms, has been widely condemned for its content, prompting a serious legal response.

This incident marks another alarming example in a recent series of cases where sophisticated deepfake technology has been weaponised to create and propagate misleading or compromising content involving public figures.

The Heart of the Controversy

The picture in question, confirmed by sources to be a product of Artificial Intelligence manipulation, began circulating rapidly across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp. The image reportedly attempts to depict a scenario that is both manufactured and potentially defamatory towards the individuals involved.

The rapid dissemination of such content, especially one involving a prominent cultural figure like Maithili Thakur and the sitting Prime Minister, has raised immediate red flags concerning digital security, personal dignity, and the integrity of public discourse. Maithili Thakur, in particular, has a significant following and is a cultural ambassador, making her a high-profile target for deepfake creators seeking maximum impact.

Official Response and Commencement of Probe

Responding to the outrage and the serious nature of the content, relevant law enforcement agencies, reportedly acting upon a complaint, have formally launched a probe.

• FIR Lodged: A First Information Report (FIR) is understood to have been registered under appropriate sections of the law, including those dealing with defamation, publishing of obscene material, and sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act concerning cybercrime.
• Focus of the Investigation: The core objective of the investigation is multi-pronged:
  1. Identify the Source: To track down the individual or group responsible for originally creating and sharing the AI-generated picture.
  2. Determine Intent: To ascertain the motive behind the malicious creation, which could range from political sabotage to personal vendetta or simply generating digital notoriety.
  3. Contain the Spread: To work with social media intermediaries to ensure the immediate and permanent removal of the offensive image from all platforms to prevent further harm.

Senior officials have emphasised the commitment to swift action, highlighting the government’s serious stance against the spread of deepfake and malicious AI-generated content.

A Growing National Concern: The Deepfake Menace

This controversy arrives amid a heightened national debate over the ethical and legal boundaries of AI technology. The ease and sophistication with which deepfakes can now be produced pose a significant threat, capable of blurring the line between reality and fabrication.

Prior incidents involving AI-generated content targeting public figures, including political leaders and their families, have also resulted in legal action and court directives for removal, underscoring the severity of this digital menace. Experts caution that without stronger regulatory frameworks and quicker platform response mechanisms, such malicious content will continue to proliferate, undermining public trust and potentially influencing critical events like elections.

The probe into the Maithili Thakur-PM Modi image is seen as a crucial test case for law enforcement’s ability to tackle sophisticated, cross-platform digital manipulation, sending a clear signal that the malicious use of AI will not be tolerated.

Public and Political Reaction

The sharing of the offensive image has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters. Political leaders have strongly denounced the act as a “shameful” and “vile” attempt to malign reputations. Social media users and followers of Maithili Thakur have rallied in support, demanding stringent action against the culprits.

As the police investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying the primary perpetrator and bringing them to justice, while the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ethical challenges posed by rapidly evolving AI technology in the digital age.