Araria/Patna: A viral video circulating in Araria has sparked political tension ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, after it allegedly showed Jan Suraaj candidate and former MP Sarfaraz Alam in an objectionable scene with an actress. The clip, which has spread widely on social media, is believed to have been created using AI technology, prompting outrage across party lines and calls for immediate investigation.
The authenticity of the clip has not been independently verified by PatnaPress. Prominent citizens and political leaders in Araria have condemned the act, describing it as an unethical use of technology for political propaganda.
Responding to the controversy, Sarfaraz Alam, the Jan Suraaj candidate from Jokihat, dismissed the video as a deliberate attempt to defame him during the election campaign. “I have never maintained such an image,” he said. “This video is a conspiracy to tarnish my reputation using AI. It’s a matter of grave concern. The people of Jokihat will not forgive those behind it. The police must investigate and take strict action.”
Alam, who was previously associated with the RJD before joining Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj movement, said the video’s timing — just as campaigning intensified in Jokihat — suggested political motives behind its creation.
Meanwhile, advocate Sanjay Mallick, the father of the actress allegedly depicted in the video, stated that the footage had been digitally fabricated. “This is an attempt to defame my daughter and damage her image using AI tools. The police must act swiftly to set an example,” he said.
The actress, Aparna Mallick, also condemned the misuse of her likeness, revealing that she had already filed a cybercrime complaint. “We have approached the authorities to ensure the safety of all women and daughters in Araria. Those responsible for this deepfake must face punishment,” she said.
Political observers say the episode highlights the growing risk of AI-generated misinformation during India’s election campaigns, especially in regions where digital literacy remains low.
Cyber experts have urged the Election Commission of India and law enforcement agencies to monitor deepfake misuse more closely, warning that synthetic media manipulation could distort public perception and fuel character-assassination campaigns.
As the video continues to circulate online, the Araria police are reportedly collecting digital evidence and tracing its source. “Such cases underscore the urgent need for stronger cyber regulations during elections,” a local officer said.
