Telangana: AI-generated tiger images create fear in Toopran mandal

AI-generated images showing a tiger in Medak sparked panic among villagers, even as forest officials confirmed the photos were fake. The Forest Department launched awareness campaigns and warned action against those spreading false information to prevent further fear and confusion

Medak: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has begun causing real-world trouble in Medak, with forest officials and villagers struggling to contain panic triggered by AI-generated images of a tiger.

Even as actual leopard sightings have been reported in parts of the district, some miscreants circulated AI-created photographs showing a tiger roaming around villages. A youth, Venkat Karolla, shared one such image on Monday, claiming to have spotted a tiger between Datharpally and Malkapur in Toopran mandal. Soon after, another AI-generated picture surfaced, purportedly showing a tiger crossing the same road.

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The photos went viral on social media, prompting panic among villagers. Large groups of people gathered at the spot and began searching for the animal on Monday evening. The scare left farmers and cattle herders afraid to leave their homes. The incident came just 15 days after a real leopard was sighted near Datharpally by a local named Swamy and was later seen several times by other villagers.

Forest officials, led by Toopran Forest Range Officer Amber Singh, have since stepped in to dispel the rumours. Speaking to Telangana Today, Amber Singh said awareness programmes were held to educate villagers. “The movement of the tiger is just a rumour. We will identify those circulating fake images and ensure action is taken,” he said.

The Forest Department is planning another round of awareness drives in Datharpally, Gunreddypally and Malkapur to prevent further panic.