Agartala, March 7: BJP leader and Member of District Council (MDC) of the TTAADC, Padma Lochan Tripura, on Friday lodged a written complaint at the West Agartala Police Station alleging misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create and circulate a fake image aimed at defaming him on social media.
According to Padma Lochan Tripura, an AI-generated image showing him alongside a woman was circulated through social media platforms and WhatsApp from a Facebook account named “Mwinwi Kothok.” The image allegedly used AI technology to merge photographs and present them as a real picture.
Speaking to media persons after filing the complaint, the BJP leader said he first came across the image on social media late in the evening and soon started receiving calls from party leaders and supporters who had received the picture on WhatsApp.
He alleged that the viral image was fabricated using AI technology in a deliberate attempt to damage his public image and reputation.
“This is completely an AI-generated image. It is part of a deep conspiracy to malign my image and portray me negatively before the public,” he said.
Tripura further stated that the Facebook account from which the image was circulated appeared to be a fake account with no personal details or profile picture.
The viral photo reportedly showed him with a woman identified on social media as Shristi Debnath, who is known for appearing in Kokborok music videos and short films and has a significant social media following. The woman had earlier posted Holi festival photographs wearing a red top and western attire, which were allegedly used to create the manipulated image.
Padma Lochan Tripura said that if the image had been genuine he would have accepted it, but since it was fabricated using AI technology, he has sought legal action against those responsible.
He added that the motive behind the incident was to tarnish his image and weaken his relationship with the public.
The BJP leader also hinted that the act could be politically motivated, though he said the truth would come out only after a proper investigation by the police.
“It could be part of a political conspiracy to defame me and create misunderstanding among the public. Whoever is behind this will be identified once the investigation begins,” he said.
Tripura further alleged that the Facebook page “Mwinwi Kothok” which loosely translates to “fun or satire” often posts political content and appears to have indirect links with supporters of the Tipra Motha Party, though he clarified that the involvement of the party itself is yet to be established.
He also claimed that the viral image bears visible signs of being generated using Google Gemini AI, with a watermark that indicates artificial creation.
Padma Lochan Tripura said he filed the complaint following instructions from his party and expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha and BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee.
He asserted that conspiracies would not be able to stop the development and political progress taking place in the state under the current leadership.
Police officials said the matter will be investigated to identify the individuals responsible for creating and circulating the AI-generated image.
