Identity Theft through Deepfake Technology Shakes Social Media in India

Sat Oct 18 2025 06:27:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The rise of a fake Instagram sensation that misused a woman's identity raises alarm over deepfake technology in India.

An Indian woman, referred to as Sanchi, fell victim to identity theft when her likeness was used by her ex-boyfriend, Pratim Bora, to create a fake Instagram account named Babydoll Archi. Bora leveraged deepfake technology to fabricate erotic content, gaining notoriety and a substantial following before being arrested. This incident highlights growing concerns surrounding deepfakes and digital privacy.

In a shocking incident that underscores the darker side of technology, an Indian woman's identity was hijacked to create a fake social media persona named Babydoll Archi. What started as a seemingly innocent online presence took a devious turn when Sanchi, a homemaker from Dibrugarh, Assam, discovered her likeness was being used without her consent. The account, which amassed 1.4 million followers, was run by her ex-boyfriend Pratim Bora, prompting a police investigation into his disturbing actions.

Bora, a mechanical engineer with a penchant for artificial intelligence, used personal photographs of Sanchi to generate fake profiles on platforms like Instagram. Early posts featured altered images that later evolved into sophisticated deepfake content, drawing attention and boosting the account’s popularity. The police were made aware of the situation when Sanchi's brother filed a complaint after realizing the viral sensation was based on his sister's identity.

As investigations progressed, Bora was apprehended, and authorities seized his electronic devices, uncovering evidence of his unethical operations. Senior police officer Sizal Agarwal revealed that Bora had monetized the account, reportedly earning approximately 1 million rupees within a mere five days. In the wake of the incident, Sanchi and her family are receiving counseling as they navigate the emotional fallout from the affair.

Despite rising concerns over the misuse of AI, officials and experts agree on the difficulty of preventing such occurrences, especially when victims lack an online presence. The case has ignited discussions regarding the legal ramifications surrounding deepfakes and has prompted calls for stronger regulations to protect individuals from digital harassment.

Legal specialist Meghna Bal emphasized that while existing laws address many aspects of the situation, the rapid evolution of generative AI poses unique challenges that require careful consideration. Bora now faces several charges, including sexual harassment and cybercrime, with a potential prison sentence looming if found guilty. As society grapples with the implications of deepfake technology, victims like Sanchi are thrust into the spotlight, revealing the pressing need for robust digital privacy protections.