YouTuber Nadeem Created AI Video of Cop Sexually Harassing Woman Journalist, Arrested: Delhi Police

A viral video that appeared to show Additional DCP Vivek Bhagat sexually harassing a woman journalist has taken a new turn, with Delhi Police claiming that the footage was AI-generated and allegedly created by 24-year-old YouTuber Nadeem Ahmed.

Police allege Ahmed used an AI tool to fabricate the objectionable footage and circulated it on social media to tarnish the Delhi Police's image and create an atmosphere of unrest. Investigators are probing whether he acted alone or had help from others.

Who is Nadeem Ahmed?

Ahmed, a Haryana resident, describes himself as an independent journalist. Delhi Police reportedly said he has around 24,000 followers on Instagram and started his YouTube channel during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

According to police, Ahmed started another YouTube channel around April this year. Investigators are examining his digital activities to establish how the alleged fake content was created and circulated.

Police have also shared details of his educational background, saying he studied at a madrasa in Saket and failed his Class 10 examination. The investigation is also examining whether Ahmed had financial backing or associates who may have helped produce or distribute the material.

What Police Allege

• Ahmed allegedly used an AI tool to create the disputed video.
• Police said he circulated the material on social media after creating it.
• Investigators are examining his sources of funding and possible associates.
• Police are probing whether the alleged operation involved a wider network.

According to Delhi Police, Ahmed reportedly told investigators that he had used an AI tool to create the footage. Police also alleged that he admitted his objective was to damage the reputation of the Delhi Police and create unrest.

AI Video Emerged Amid Jantar Mantar Sexual Harassment Row 

The arrest comes amid a separate controversy over allegations of sexual harassment involving Delhi Police personnel during an October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Three women journalists had alleged sexual harassment by police personnel while covering the demonstration. Their complaints are being examined by the Delhi Police Crime Branch as per reports.

Police have stressed that the allegedly AI-generated video is separate from those complaints and have registered a case over the creation and circulation of the purportedly fake material.

The Delhi Police have also denied allegations that women protesters were assaulted, calling some claims “baseless and misleading”.

Bhagat has since stepped aside from an additional charge following the allegations. The Delhi government said the arrangement involving 12 officers had been initiated before the allegations emerged, while Bhagat requested not to take up the additional responsibility until the inquiry was completed.

What Charges Does Ahmed Face?

Police have invoked several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 353, 352 and 336, along with other provisions. Section 353 deals with statements conducing to public mischief, including the publication or circulation of false information, rumours or reports through electronic means in circumstances covered by the law.

Section 336 relates to forgery. Its invocation in an AI-generated content case shows how existing criminal provisions can be applied to digitally fabricated material as per reports.

Police had also invoked Section 336 in another recent Delhi case involving an AI-generated video targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with provisions relating to forged electronic records, intentional insult, defamation and criminal conspiracy.

The precise application of the provisions in Ahmed's case will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation and the prosecution's case.