Manhunt image of AAP legislator Gopal Italia alongside the individual charged with assaulting Delhi CM Rekha Gupta unveiled as manipulated

In a recent turn of events, it has been confirmed that a viral photo featuring Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gopal Italia has been manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI). The photo, which allegedly showed Italia with the accused Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, has been circulating online, causing a stir among netizens.

The revelation came to light when an X post by Gopal Italia dated 20 August 2025 was found, in which he shared the link to the original video. A Google Lens search led to a Facebook post by Italia dated 02 August 2025, which featured the video in question.

Upon closer inspection, it was evident that the viral photo was not authentic. AI detection tools, including the 'Sight Engine' AI detection tool, confirmed that the photo is a deepfake with 99% certainty. The lighting on Gopal Italia's face in the viral photo does not match the lighting on the accused Rajesh Khimji's face, further solidifying the claim.

Moreover, the frame on the wall behind Italia and the accused in the viral photo is square, while it is rectangular in the original visuals from the video. The man standing beside Italia in the viral photo was replaced with the accused Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, but in the original video from August 2, 2025, the person standing next to Italia was a different individual who was actually present at the coordination committee meeting, as confirmed by the original video shared on Gopal Italia’s verified Facebook page.

Gopal Italia denied the photo's authenticity on 20 August 2025 and called it fake. He shared the link to the original video, further debunking the claims made in the viral post that the photo shows the original meeting between Italia and the accused. The claim that the viral photo shows the original meeting is, therefore, false.

In the original video, Gopal Italia is seen with a different man, wearing the same clothes and at the same location as in the viral photo. The man beside Italia in the video is not the accused Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, but a different individual who was present at the meeting.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it online. It also highlights the growing threat of deepfakes and the need for more robust measures to combat their spread.

Manhunt image of AAP legislator Gopal Italia alongside the individual charged with assaulting Delhi CM Rekha Gupta unveiled as manipulated