World · India Bureau
Police arrest 20+ over AI videos that sparked Ujjain mosque violence
Authorities in Ujjain have arrested more than 20 people in connection with doctored videos that triggered communal clashes near a historic mosque. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify the creators of the synthetic media that sparked the unrest.
LSN India ·
Police in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district have arrested over 20 individuals following violence that erupted after the circulation of artificially-generated videos depicting the demolition of the Shahi Masjid. The false media content allegedly incited crowds to gather at the mosque premises, leading to confrontations with law enforcement personnel.
The doctored videos claimed to show authorities dismantling the entire mosque structure, claims that authorities have dismissed as baseless. The spread of the misinformation through social media platforms precipitated the march to the religious site and subsequent clashes with police personnel deployed in the area.
Investigators have identified the arrested individuals' roles in the dissemination of the fabricated videos but are actively searching for those responsible for creating the synthetic content. The incident has prompted renewed focus on the dangers posed by deepfakes and artificially-manipulated media in inciting communal tension.
The Shahi Masjid, an important historical structure in Ujjain, has been at the centre of periodic disputes. Police have increased security measures in the area as the investigation continues into the origins and creators of the viral videos.