Koraput, Sept 2: An AI-generated photograph of a crocodile allegedly roaming in a river sparked panic among villagers in Borigumma of Koraput district. The fake image was circulated as genuine, with claims that a nearly 10-foot-long crocodile had been spotted in the river. The incident eventually came to light, leading to the arrest of two youths.
According to reports, rumours of a giant crocodile being spotted in the Badapada River, which flows through the Malda area under Jayantigiri panchayat of Jeypore Sadar block, spread rapidly among local residents.
The crocodile was reportedly said to be around 10 feet long. Some villagers from Malda claimed to have spotted it and alerted others, triggering fear among residents of riverside villages, including Malda and Badapada, as well as local farmers.
The rumour gained momentum after a farmer reportedly claimed that he had seen a huge crocodile in a relatively elevated portion of the river while heading to his farmland to spray crops at around 11 am on Sunday. He allegedly took a photograph on his mobile phone and informed others about the sighting.
According to the initial account, the alleged crocodile disappeared into the water shortly afterwards. Villagers then rushed to the riverbank to look for it, but could not locate the animal, reportedly due to the strong flow of water.
The alleged sighting created an atmosphere of fear in the area, with villagers being advised to exercise caution while approaching the river.
However, the Forest Department later uncovered the truth. Officials confirmed that no crocodile was present in the Badapada River and that the viral photograph was AI-generated and fake.
Following an investigation, the Borigumma Forest Department arrested two brothers from Badapada village—Purna Bhumia and Surendra Bhumia—for allegedly creating and circulating the fake AI-generated image with the intention of spreading panic among local residents.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of circulating unverified AI-generated content, particularly when it can cause fear and confusion among the public.
