FIR filed over AI-morphed fake image of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Synopsis
The Assam CMO has filed an FIR after a fake, AI-generated morphed image of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spread on social media. Suspects have been identified and legal proceedings are under way — making this one of the more consequential state-level responses to political deepfake disinformation in India this year.
Key Takeaways
The Assam CMO flagged the circulation of a fake, AI-generated morphed image of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on 5 October 2026 .
An FIR has been registered and individuals allegedly responsible for creating and spreading the image have been identified.
The CMO confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible.
The image was described as 'entirely fabricated' with 'no basis in reality whatsoever,' according to the CMO's official statement.
The CMO appealed to social media users to verify content before sharing and avoid amplifying unverified material about the Chief Minister.
The Assam Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Monday, 5 October 2026 raised a sharp alarm over the circulation of an allegedly fake, digitally manipulated image of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on social media, warning that the content was artificially generated and deliberately crafted to mislead the public. A formal case has since been registered, and individuals allegedly responsible for creating and disseminating the fabricated image have been identified, the CMO confirmed.
What the CMO Said
In an official statement, the CMO described the image as entirely fabricated, stating: 'The Chief Minister's Office, Assam has taken serious note of the deliberate circulation of a completely FAKE and morphed image of Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr @himantabiswa on social media. The image, created using Artificial Intelligence, is entirely fabricated and has no basis in reality whatsoever.'
The office further stated that the doctored content was circulated with the clear intention of misleading the public and tarnishing Chief Minister Sarma's image. The CMO warned that 'legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible for creating and circulating the fabricated content.'
Legal Action Under Way
According to the CMO, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in connection with the incident. Authorities have reportedly identified individuals allegedly involved in both the creation and dissemination of the AI-generated image. The CMO stated that strict legal action would be taken against all persons found complicit in the alleged disinformation campaign.
The office characterised the creation and spread of manipulated digital material via social media as a misuse of online platforms, noting that such content — particularly when designed to create a false impression about a public figure — could carry serious legal consequences.
The Broader AI Deepfake Concern
This development comes amid growing national and global concern over the weaponisation of artificial intelligence to manufacture misleading images and information targeting public figures. Notably, Indian authorities at both the central and state levels have increasingly flagged the dangers of AI-generated disinformation ahead of electoral cycles and in politically sensitive contexts.
The Assam CMO maintained that fabricated material of this nature can be used to distort public perception without any factual basis, and reiterated its appeal to citizens to rely on verified sources before sharing content online.
Appeal to Social Media Users
The CMO specifically urged individuals who may have already shared or reposted the image to verify its authenticity and refrain from further circulation. It appealed broadly to social media users to exercise caution and avoid amplifying unverified material relating to Chief Minister Sarma or the Assam state government.
Legal proceedings are continuing, with authorities indicating that action will be taken against all those found responsible — a signal that the investigation is likely to widen as forensic and digital evidence is examined.
Point of View
Not merely a communications nuisance. What is missing from the current response, however, is any detail on the specific legal provisions invoked — a gap that will matter when the case reaches court, given India's still-evolving legal framework around deepfakes. The identification of suspects this quickly also raises questions about whether existing digital surveillance infrastructure is being deployed, and under what oversight. As AI tools become cheaper and more accessible, the Assam case may be less an outlier and more a preview of the legal battles Indian states will increasingly face ahead of the 2029 electoral cycle.
NationPress
5 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fake AI image case involving Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma?
An artificially generated, digitally morphed image of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was reportedly circulated on social media with the intent to mislead the public and damage his reputation. The Assam CMO described the image as entirely fabricated with no basis in reality, and confirmed that an FIR has been filed.
Has anyone been arrested in connection with the fake Himanta Sarma image?
As of the CMO's statement on 5 October 2026, individuals allegedly involved in creating and disseminating the image have been identified and legal proceedings have been initiated. The CMO did not confirm arrests, but stated that strict legal action would be taken against all those found responsible.
What legal action is being taken over the AI-morphed image?
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible for creating and circulating the fabricated content, according to the Assam CMO. The investigation is reportedly ongoing.
Why is the AI deepfake image of Himanta Sarma significant?
The case highlights growing concerns over the use of artificial intelligence to manufacture disinformation targeting public figures, particularly in politically sensitive contexts. It is one of the more high-profile state-level responses to political deepfake content in India in 2026.
What should social media users do if they have shared the fake image?
The Assam CMO has urged anyone who may have shared or reposted the image to verify its authenticity immediately and refrain from circulating it further. Citizens are advised to rely on verified official sources before consuming or sharing content about the Chief Minister or the state government.
