AI-Generated Deepfake Video of Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Circulated by Pakistani Accounts
Pakistani propaganda accounts circulated an AI-generated deepfake video falsely showing Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi commenting on the alleged custodial death of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk. The Press Information Bureau debunked the fake video and clarified that the Army chief made no such statement.
What happened
Pakistani propaganda accounts circulated an AI-generated deepfake video of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi appearing to comment on the alleged custodial death of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk.
The fabricated video showed General Dwivedi saying: 'I express my deep regret at the passing of Sonam Wangchuk while he was in state custody. His death has caused understandable concern among citizens.' According to the fake post, it also claimed the Army chief's remarks were being suppressed by media.
Reported impact
The PIB fact-checking unit debunked the fake video and clarified that General Dwivedi made no such statement.
Officials stated such videos are designed to spread misinformation and erode trust in the Indian armed forces. Citizens were advised to avoid sharing unverified content and rely only on official and credible sources.
Index analysis
The deepfake video was created using AI technology and circulated specifically to falsely attribute statements to the Army chief during a sensitive political situation involving Sonam Wangchuk.
Governance controls
The PIB's fact-checking unit exposed the AI-generated video on X and urged citizens not to share unverified content. The unit also posted an authentic, unedited clip of General Dwivedi's actual remarks through the Press Trust of India's X handle.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.