Indian Media Outlet Jagran Uses Fake AI Photo in Nepal Customs Duty Coverage

Kathmandu. The Indian media outlet ‘Jagran’ used an AI-generated misleading image in a news report about Nepal’s recent enforcement of customs duties on goods valued over Rs 100. The manipulated image falsely claimed that a woman at the Rupaidiha border was seen pleading with security personnel to return seized food items. 

Jagran published the report on Monday, April 20, under a headline alleging inhumane treatment by Nepali security forces towards locals at the India–Nepal border and calling for intervention from the Nepal Government. Here is the archive link to the news.

The image used in the news depicts a woman in the uniform of Nepal’s Armed Police Force holding a bottle labeled ‘Dew’ and packaged food items, while another woman appears to be clinging to her leg and crying. 

Its caption reads, “A woman at the Rupaidiha India-Nepal border pleading with a security officer to return the food items she is holding on to.” (English translation of the Hindi caption)

To verify the authenticity of the image, AI detection tool, Hive Moderation, was used, which assessed the picture as 89.2 percent likely to be AI-generated.

A Google reverse image search further found that since April 19, several social media users had shared an original image showing a female Armed Police officer (APF) holding a bottle of ‘Dew’. Those pictures were posted on social media with claims that the APF had confiscated soft drinks being brought from India through the Nepalgunj border.

The findings indicate that the original APF picture was digitally altered using AI to add the scene of a woman pleading. And the edited image was then circulated to spread misinformation.  

See the comparison between the image shared by Jagaran and the original image:

 

The controversy comes amid public backlash after the Government of Nepal strictly enforced customs rules requiring duties on goods valued above Rs 100 brought through border checkpoints. Residents of border areas, small traders, daily consumers, and Nepalis returning from work in India have reported difficulties, prompting criticism from social media users and political parties. 

Amid the growing discontent, Jagran’s use of a manipulated AI-generated image further fueled misleading narratives, with screenshots of the report widely shared online. 

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