Several social media links carrying AI-generated deepfake videos have been removed after Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal filed a police complaint over an allegedly doctored video that falsely depicted him making threatening remarks against students protesting over NEET exam questions, government officials said on Saturday.
A doctored video allegedly leaked on social media showed Goyal appearing to threaten students participating in the ongoing nationwide protests over alleged cheating in the NEET exam. Government officials told PTI that many links related to the AI-generated deepfake videos have since been removed.
In response to the incident, Goyal said the video had been “maliciously” altered using artificial intelligence to spread misinformation. In a post on X early Saturday morning, he stressed that irresponsible misuse of AI to deceive the public will not be tolerated.
Goyal accused the doctored video of his interaction with the media outside parliament, saying it was deliberately doctored before being circulated online.
“I have filed a complaint with the police regarding this matter and today, July 25, 2026 at 4:35 am, an FIR (No. 123/26) has been registered at Chanakyapuri Police Station. Strict legal action will be taken against all individuals involved in creating, distributing or deliberately promoting this fake video,” he warned.
The minister also called on the public to verify information before sharing it online and to rely only on authentic sources.
He further said, “I have full faith that conscious and tech-savvy Indian citizens, especially the youth, will not fall prey to such misinformation.”
On Friday night, the PIB fact-checking unit also warned that a Pakistani propaganda account was circulating a false AI-generated deepfake video depicting Goyal making threatening remarks against protesting students.
The doctored video emerged amid ongoing student protests organized by the Cockroach Janata Party at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged cheating in medical admissions and other competitive exams. Demonstrators have been demanding reforms to the education system.
Authorities have warned social media users not to share or rely on unverified videos or posts related to the demonstrations and have repeatedly urged caution, as misinformation continues to spread online.
