M.K. Stalin AI media incident — Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch CID (CB-CID) successfully apprehended a suspect in Rajasthan following the circulation of AI-generated deepfake videos that impersonated the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin. The investigation, which spanned multiple states, culminated in the arrest of 28-year-old Shyabu Khan, who allegedly used the deceptive content to solicit financial information and target citizens for fraud.

What happened

The case began when the cybercrime team of the CB-CID identified AI-generated videos featuring the Chief Minister during routine cyber patrolling. These videos, which included Hindi audio, were disseminated across social media platforms with the intent to deceive the public. The scammers instructed viewers to contact a specific WhatsApp number to receive alleged financial aid, a tactic designed to defraud victims across Madhya Pradesh and other states.

Following the registration of a formal case, special teams conducted an in-depth analysis of digital trails and obtained data from intermediaries and service providers. Investigators tracked the primary suspect’s movements across the hinterlands of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, eventually locating him near Alwar. With the assistance of local Rajasthan police, authorities arrested the suspect and seized mobile phones and electronic devices used in the operation.

During the probe, officials noted that many of the fraudulent videos were distributed via Facebook IDs originating from Pakistan. The accused was produced in a local court to secure a transit warrant before being transported to Chennai. Police are continuing their investigation into potential local accomplices and foreign perpetrators, utilizing advanced technical analysis to map the extent of the scam.