The Maharashtra Cyber Police have officially confirmed that the viral video falsely linked to popular gaming influencer Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, is an AI-generated deepfake. The confirmation comes after a detailed forensic analysis conducted using advanced cyber investigation tools, putting to rest widespread speculation circulating on social media platforms.
Cyber Police Certification Confirms AI Manipulation
According to an official certification issued on December 19, 2025, by the Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber Department, the video was found to be digitally altered and generated using artificial intelligence technology.
The cyber unit stated that the content had undergone technical examination with specialized tools available to the department. The findings conclusively established that the video was manipulated, edited, and synthetically created, classifying it as a deepfake.
FIR Registered, Legal Action Initiated
Following a formal complaint filed by Payal Dhare, Maharashtra Cyber Police registered FIR No. 52/2025. The case has been booked under multiple stringent legal provisions, including:
Sections Invoked
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023: Sections 3(5), 79, 356(2)
- Information Technology Act, 2000: Section 67
- Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Sections 3 and 4
Police officials confirmed that teams are actively tracking down those involved in the creation, circulation, and conspiracy behind the fake content.
How the Controversy Began
The issue surfaced last week when an obscene video began circulating rapidly across social media platforms. Without verification, several users falsely associated the woman in the video with Payal Gaming, triggering a wave of misinformation, trolling, and online harassment.
However, Payal’s fan base quickly flagged the content as suspicious and urged people not to share it, suspecting it to be AI-generated.
Payal Dhare Breaks Silence
Breaking her silence earlier this week, Payal Dhare released a detailed statement on social media, firmly denying any connection to the video. She described the past few days as emotionally distressing and clarified that the individual seen in the clip was not her.
In her post, Payal thanked the cyber police for their swift action and appealed to the public and media to act responsibly. She also warned that legal action would be pursued against anyone spreading false narratives or sharing the video.
Police Warning on Sharing Deepfake Content
Maharashtra Cyber Police have issued a strong advisory, warning that sharing or forwarding obscene or defamatory content, even unknowingly, is a punishable offence.
Under Section 67 of the IT Act, individuals found guilty of sharing such material online may face:
- Up to three years of imprisonment
- A fine of up to ₹5 lakh
- Harsher punishment for repeat offences
Who Is Payal Gaming?
Profile Overview
- Real Name: Payal Dhare
- Profession: Gaming Content Creator & Influencer
- Started Career: 2019
- Associated With: S8UL Esports
Payal Gaming is one of India’s most influential female gamers, known for live-streaming popular titles such as BGMI, PUBG, GTA V, and Call of Duty.
She commands a massive digital presence with:
- 4.5+ million subscribers on YouTube
- 4+ million followers on Instagram
Notably, she was the only female gamer invited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year during discussions on the future of India’s gaming ecosystem.
Rising Concern Over Deepfake Crimes
This case once again highlights the growing misuse of artificial intelligence in creating deepfake content, raising serious concerns around digital safety, identity theft, and online defamation, particularly targeting women in the public eye.
Cyber experts have repeatedly called for stronger awareness, faster reporting mechanisms, and stricter enforcement to curb such crimes.