Ahmedabad. A cyber fraud case involving alleged AI-generated deepfake videos and online blackmail has surfaced in Ahmedabad, where police have arrested Rajnish Bhargav and his associates for allegedly targeting women through fake spiritual-healing profiles on social media. Investigators said the accused posed as a “Kinnar Guru Maa” and used manipulated obscene videos to extort money from victims.
Fake Spiritual Profiles Used to Lure Victims
According to investigators, the accused created multiple fake Instagram profiles under names such as “Kinnar Puja Guru Maa” and other spiritual aliases. Through these accounts, he allegedly approached people, especially women facing personal or family problems, and promised solutions through tantric rituals and spiritual guidance.
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Police said victims were asked to share personal photographs under the pretext of rituals. Investigators believe this was the first stage of a planned trap to obtain sensitive images and later use them for blackmail.
AI Tools Allegedly Used to Create Deepfake Videos
The investigation found that Rajnish Bhargav, along with associates identified as Vikas Bhargav and Ravi Bhargav, allegedly used artificial intelligence-based applications to manipulate victims’ photographs. These tools were reportedly used to create obscene deepfake videos by placing victims’ faces on explicit content.
After creating the manipulated videos, the accused allegedly threatened to circulate them on social media. Police said victims were pressured into paying amounts ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh in multiple transactions due to fear of public humiliation.
Digital Devices and Victims’ Photos Recovered
The case came to light after a woman from Ahmedabad filed a complaint with the cybercrime cell. Police then launched a technical investigation, tracked the digital footprint of the accused and arrested them.
During the raid, police recovered several mobile phones, digital devices and a large collection of photographs belonging to multiple women. Authorities also seized AI-based applications allegedly used to generate deepfake content, along with edited obscene videos stored on devices.
Officials said the accused group may have targeted more victims across different regions. Investigators are now analysing recovered data, tracing additional digital accounts and examining whether the group had links to a wider online extortion network.
