AI Misuse for Social Media Fame: B.Com Student Arrested for Creating Fake Plane Landing Videos at Jabalpur Station

In a startling case of artificial intelligence misuse, a first-year B.Com student was arrested in Jabalpur for creating and circulating fake videos showing a passenger aircraft landing on railway tracks and in open fields. The fabricated visuals, created using AI tools and posted on Instagram to gain followers, triggered panic among citizens and forced airport authorities to issue an official clarification.

According to police, the accused student, identified as Abhi Patel, studies at Mahakaushal College. He allegedly generated highly realistic AI-based videos depicting a commercial airplane making an emergency landing on the tracks at Jabalpur Railway Station and, in another clip, landing in agricultural fields. The videos were accompanied by dramatic voice-over commentary, making the incidents appear authentic.

One of the videos showed a train engine standing on railway tracks with a large aircraft positioned beside it, suggesting a near-collision. In the narration, the student claimed that the pilot was forced to land the aircraft at the railway station due to an emergency, leading to suspension of train movement and police intervention. Another 14-second clip reiterated similar claims, stating that technical failure prevented the aircraft from reaching the airport.

The videos went viral on social media, causing confusion and concern among the public. Taking cognizance of the matter, the Jabalpur Airport Authority issued a formal denial, clarifying that no such incident had occurred. Airport Director R.R. Pandey subsequently lodged a complaint at the Dumna police outpost, following which a meeting was held with CISF officials to assess the situation.

Acting on the complaint, police traced the source of the videos and arrested the student from Vikrampur in Narsinghpur district. A case was registered against him under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). During interrogation, the accused admitted that he created the videos solely to increase his Instagram followers. He later submitted a written apology, expressing regret and assuring authorities that he would not repeat such actions.

Police released the student after completing initial legal formalities, but officials have issued a strong warning against the irresponsible use of AI technology. Airport authorities and police have appealed to the public, especially young social media users, not to misuse technology for likes and views, as such acts can spread misinformation, create public panic, and disrupt essential services.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation, raising concerns over the need for stricter awareness, digital responsibility, and legal safeguards in the age of rapidly advancing technology.