Blackmailing through objectionable AI-generated images, Deepak Tandon arrested
CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India Epress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal:
Hotel businessman and news portal operator Deepak Tandon has been arrested in Chhattisgarh on allegations of blackmailing people by publishing fake news. Bilaspur police picked him up from Raipur. It is alleged that he used artificial intelligence (AI) to tamper with people’s photographs and create objectionable and misleading material. He then allegedly published reports on a news portal and social media, threatened to defame the people concerned and pressured them to pay money.
According to police, Manishankar Pandey, a resident of Maharana Pratap Nagar in Tifra, lodged a complaint at Sirgitti police station on October 29, 2026. The complaint alleged that his photographs had been altered using AI and objectionable and insulting reports were published. During the investigation, Deepak Tandon’s role came to light. A police team then raided Rajat Prime Apartment in New Rajendra Nagar, Raipur, on November 6 and arrested him.
Two mobile phones seized, digital material under examination
Police have seized two mobile phones from the accused. Police say several objectionable photographs, videos and audio clips related to the portal have been found in them. The role of other people, including Komal Prasad Choubey, is also being investigated in the case. A case has been registered against the accused under Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 4 and 5 of the Chhattisgarh Tonahi Pratadna Nivaran Act.
Name also linked to DSP Kalpana Verma controversy
Deepak Tandon’s name had earlier come into the spotlight because of a controversy involving then DSP Kalpana Verma. Tandon had alleged that Kalpana Verma took crores of rupees, an expensive car and jewellery from him after assuring him of marriage. Kalpana Verma, on the other hand, rejected the allegations and accused Tandon of defaming her through fake chats and photographs.
Police are currently examining digital evidence. They are also trying to ascertain who else was involved in the alleged blackmailing and extortion case.
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