A viral video allegedly showing police officers watching and filming women dancers during a festival at Varanasi’s Lat Bhairav temple has sparked controversy. However, Varanasi Police have denied the video's authenticity, saying it was AI-generated and circulated to damage the image of the police.
Video Triggers Controversy
The video surfaced on social media in connection with the Baba Lat Bhairav Barat celebrations, held from September 23 to 27. It appeared to show women performing on a raised platform, with police personnel allegedly watching or recording the performance on their phones.
The footage quickly attracted criticism and questions over the alleged conduct of police officers deployed at the religious event.
Varanasi Police Call It AI-Generated
DCP Kashi Zone Gaurav Banswal said the viral footage was completely AI-generated. Police said they examined videos recorded by people attending the event and found that the officers shown in the viral clip were not visible in those recordings.
FIR Registered Over Viral Video
Police have registered a case against unidentified persons at Adampur police station over the circulation of the video. Authorities said the footage was allegedly being used to create a misleading impression about the police.
Focus Shifts to AI Misinformation
The controversy has now shifted from the alleged conduct shown in the video to the authenticity of the footage itself. Police have said legal action will be taken against those responsible for circulating the misleading video.
The development also highlights growing concerns over AI-generated videos being used to create false or misleading narratives online.