Pune: Amid growing panic caused by the circulation of AI-generated images and videos of leopards in the city and surrounding areas, the Pune Forest Department has adopted a tough stance. The department has made it clear that criminal cases will be registered against those who create or knowingly circulate fake and misleading content. Officials said such rumours are not only creating unnecessary fear but are also hampering genuine wildlife response and rescue operations.
The warning comes at a time when confirmed leopard sightings have been reported over the past month from several parts of Pune, including Pune Airport, Aundh, Bavdhan and Pashan–Sutarwadi. In one of these incidents, a leopard was captured by forest department teams about a week ago. Officials said the presence of real sightings has made fake and AI-generated content even more confusing and alarming for residents.
DCF’s statement: Resources wasted on verification
Mahadev Mohite, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Pune Division, said the department has been inundated with AI-generated images and videos circulating in housing society WhatsApp groups and on social media platforms.
“Many of these messages reach us through public representatives who receive them from citizens. On verification, a large proportion turns out to be AI-generated images, AI videos or old footage being circulated as new,” he said.
DRDO campus video also found fake
Officials said several fake clips falsely claimed leopard presence in areas where actual sightings had already been reported. For instance, a video circulated as being from Bavdhan, showing a leopard hunting a deer, was found to be old footage from Rajasthan. Similarly, a video claiming to show a leopard climbing the compound wall of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) facility in Pashan triggered panic, but was later confirmed to be AI-generated.
Leopards ‘added’ to CCTV footage
A forest department officer said,
“We have also come across AI-generated videos where leopards have been digitally added to CCTV footage. It is difficult to understand why people are doing this.”
Officials said every fake alert forces teams to divert time, vehicles and manpower for verification, delaying response to real wildlife incidents.
Legal action and notices issued
DCF Mohite said the forest department has held a meeting with police officials to address the issue.
“As a first step, notices have been issued to some individuals and they have been called for questioning. Anyone found deliberately creating or circulating fake content will be booked under relevant sections of the law,” he said.
Warning from range officers
Range Forest Officers from Pune and surrounding areas said fake content has become a major obstacle in day-to-day operations.One officer noted,
“Misinformation can trigger panic, crowding and incorrect responses, especially during an actual wildlife incident. Citizens are urged not to forward unverified messages.”
Advisory for citizens
The forest department has advised residents to report any leopard sighting directly to the department or the police, avoid spreading speculation on social media, and verify authenticity before sharing location-tagged photos or videos.
