A 19-year-old college student from Faridabad allegedly took his own life after being blackmailed with obscene, AI-generated images and videos of his three sisters. The shocking case has raised alarm over the growing misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime.
The victim, identified as Rahul Bharti, was a second-year student at DAV College. According to his father, Manoj Bharti, Rahul had been under severe mental distress for nearly two weeks after his phone was hacked and manipulated images of him and his sisters were created using artificial intelligence. The blackmailers reportedly demanded money and threatened to make the visuals public.
Police investigations revealed a WhatsApp chat between Rahul and a man identified as “Sahil,” who had sent the doctored visuals and demanded ₹20,000. The chats also contained multiple calls and messages in which Sahil allegedly taunted and coerced the victim, even encouraging him to die by suicide.
On Saturday evening, Rahul reportedly consumed poison at his home. His family rushed him to a private hospital, but he passed away during treatment.
“Someone sent obscene photos and videos of my daughters to Rahul and kept threatening him. He was mentally tortured, which drove him to take this step,” his father told reporters.
Rahul’s mother, Meena Devi, has accused her brother-in-law, Neeraj Bharti, of being involved in the plot, alleging that he conspired with another woman to torment Rahul following a family dispute six months ago.
Police have registered a case based on the family’s complaint and are currently examining Rahul’s mobile phone for digital evidence. “The matter is being investigated thoroughly. Legal action will be taken once the findings are verified,” Investigating Officer Sunil Kumar said.
Vishnu Kumar, former in-charge of the Old Police Station, termed the incident a “serious example of cybercrime and the dangerous misuse of AI technology,” urging authorities to strengthen digital safety awareness and regulation.
The tragic case highlights the rising threat of deepfake blackmail and the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and mental health support systems for young victims of online harassment.
