In a case highlighting the misuse of artificial intelligence in political discourse, a senior Congress leader in Kerala has been booked by the police for circulating a fabricated image of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The incident is linked to the ongoing and controversial Sabarimala gold smuggling case.
Police Case Against Congress Committee Member
The Chevayoor police in Kozhikode registered a case against N Subrahmanian, who serves as a member of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee's political affairs committee. The action was taken on 26 December 2025. The complaint alleged that Subrahmanian shared a digitally altered photograph designed to mislead the public.
The image in question was an AI-generated picture that falsely depicted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alongside an individual accused in the high-profile Sabarimala gold smuggling investigation. By creating a visual association where none exists, the content aimed to suggest a direct and improper connection between the state's head and the accused.
The Context: Sabarimala Gold Smuggling Case
This episode is rooted in the sensitive Sabarimala gold row, a case that has gripped Kerala politics for some time. The investigation involves allegations of gold smuggling through the famed Sabarimala temple, leading to several arrests and significant political sparring between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition, including the Congress.
The use of artificial intelligence to create defamatory or misleading content adds a new, troubling dimension to political rivalry. It raises serious concerns about the potential for deepfakes and manipulated media to poison public debate and spread disinformation rapidly.
Legal and Political Repercussions
The police booking sends a strong message about the legal consequences of using technology to forge narratives. Authorities are treating the sharing of the AI image as a serious offense, potentially invoking sections related to defamation, spreading false information, and intent to provoke breach of peace.
Politically, the incident is likely to intensify the war of words between the Congress and the CPI(M)-led government. While the opposition has frequently targeted CM Vijayan over the gold smuggling case, this method has backfired, inviting legal scrutiny. The case underscores the need for ethical boundaries in political communication, especially as generative AI tools become more accessible.
As of now, the investigation is proceeding, and further legal steps against N Subrahmanian are anticipated. The event marks a notable instance where Kerala police have taken action against AI-manipulated content for political gains, setting a potential precedent for similar cases in the future.
