#FactCheck - Viral Post of Gautam Adani’s Public Arrest Found to Be AI-Generated
Executive Summary:
A viral post on X (formerly twitter) shared with misleading captions about Gautam Adani being arrested in public for fraud, bribery and corruption. The charges accuse him, his nephew Sagar Adani and 6 others of his group allegedly defrauding American investors and orchestrating a bribery scheme to secure a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project awarded by the Indian government. Always verify claims before sharing posts/photos as this came out to be AI-generated.
Claim:
An image circulating of public arrest after a US court accused Gautam Adani and executives of bribery.
Fact Check:
There are multiple anomalies as we can see in the picture attached below, (highlighted in red circle) the police officer grabbing Adani’s arm has six fingers. Adani’s other hand is completely absent. The left eye of an officer (marked in blue) is inconsistent with the right. The faces of officers (marked in yellow and green circles) appear distorted, and another officer (shown in pink circle) appears to have a fully covered face. With all this evidence the picture is too distorted for an image to be clicked by a camera.
A thorough examination utilizing AI detection software concluded that the image was synthetically produced.
Conclusion:
A viral image circulating of the public arrest of Gautam Adani after a US court accused of bribery. After analysing the image, it is proved to be an AI-Generated image and there is no authentic information in any news articles. Such misinformation spreads fast and can confuse and harm public perception. Always verify the image by checking for visual inconsistency and using trusted sources to confirm authenticity.
- Claim: Gautam Adani arrested in public by law enforcement agencies
- Claimed On: Instagram and X (Formerly Known As Twitter)
- Fact Check: False and Misleading
Related Blogs
Executive Summary:
A video circulating on social media shows a group of people tearing Congress posters and raising controversial slogans. The clip is being shared with the claim that the individuals seen in the video are workers of the Congress party who were protesting against Rahul Gandhi and raising slogans against him. However, research by the CyberPeace found the viral claim to be misleading. Our research revealed that the video dates back to February 21, 2026. On that day, members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) staged a protest outside a Congress office. During the demonstration, they raised slogans and tore Congress posters. The same video is now being circulated with a false narrative.
Claim
On February 24, 2026, a Facebook user shared the viral video with the caption:“Rebellion against Rahul Gandhi in Congress’ own stronghold! Party workers themselves tore posters and raised slogans — ‘Rahul Gandhi is a thief… a thief!’ This video exposes the internal truth of Congress. Congress itself is Muslim League.”
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted key frames from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the search, we found the same video uploaded on YouTube on February 21, 2026.
According to the description accompanying the video, BJP workers had staged a protest outside a Congress building. The report mentioned vandalism and stone-pelting during the protest, resulting in injuries to several individuals
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW-13mSvJ2c
Using this lead, we conducted a keyword search on Google and found a report published on February 21, 2026, by the Hindi news website Raj Express. The visuals in the report closely matched those seen in the viral clip.
According to the report, the protest in Bhopal was organized by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in response to a T-shirt protest staged by the Youth Congress during an AI Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The situation escalated when protesters marched toward the state Congress office in Shivaji Nagar. Police attempted to disperse the crowd using water cannons, but some protesters reportedly entered the Congress office premises, leading to tension.
Further, we found the same viral video on the official Facebook page of Indian National Congress - Madhya Pradesh, where it was posted on February 26, 2026. In the post, the Congress unit alleged that BJYM workers and BJP-affiliated individuals had entered the Congress office, vandalized property, and created chaos in the presence of police officials.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral claim is misleading. The video is from February 21, 2026, when BJYM workers protested outside a Congress office and engaged in vandalism. The footage is now being falsely shared as evidence of an internal rebellion by Congress workers against Rahul Gandhi.
In recent months, conversations around the possible shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a basic cooking fuel in Indian households, have quietly resurfaced across the country. From whispers in local markets to viral messages circulating on social media, concerns about LPG availability began to take hold in the public imagination. Though the immediacy of the situation has since faded, its echoes remain, reminding us how quickly uncertainty can spread. Like a ripple across still water, a single rumour can travel far, gathering force as it moves and blurring the line between perception and reality.
Against this backdrop, in April 2026, reports began circulating about a potential LPG shortage. The Union Government moved quickly to counter what it identified as misinformation, emphasising that supply remained stable and urging citizens not to engage in panic buying. A noticeable disconnect emerged between official communication and public perception. Across different regions, signs of anxiety-driven behaviour became evident. Instances of panic buying and hoarding increased, law enforcement agencies conducted raids to address such actions, and opportunistic thefts were reported, often exploiting widespread concern. These incidents highlight how misinformation, even when addressed promptly, can continue to shape public behaviour.
It is worth noting that rising prices also played a role in shaping public response, as increases in LPG rates contributed to a sense of urgency among consumers. Therefore, the surge in panic buying cannot be attributed solely to misinformation, but rather to a combination of economic pressures and perceived scarcity.
Misinformation Ecosystem - From Rumours to Behaviour
The spread of misinformation is occurring at an unprecedented pace and is, in large part, driven by the viral nature of social media. Digital platforms not only enable the rapid dissemination of information but also allow it to be amplified in ways that would not be possible through traditional media outlets. Often, the drive for virality outweighs any concern for accuracy, meaning that many individuals who spread misinformation are motivated more by the pursuit of attention than by any ideological agenda. Recent arrests of individuals involved in spreading misinformation about LPG and petrol shortages, much of which went viral, suggest that misinformation today is frequently driven by the desire for visibility rather than ideological motives. The information being circulated has largely followed a similar pattern, focusing on fears of an LPG shortage, expectations of price increases, and concerns about supply disruptions. Even though this information has not been verified, it has triggered behavioural responses among individuals. In several areas, including parts of Uttar Pradesh and Goa, the spread of misinformation through social media has led to panic buying, despite official assurances that there would be sufficient LPG supply to meet demand.
The impact of panic buying, and its associated misinformation, has already been seen in multiple sectors; these increased demands have placed pressure on the distribution network, leading to disruptions in access, as well as being out of stock of certain products. In many cases, commercial users of products (especially restaurants) have experienced significant disruption, threatening their continued operations, and industry representatives have alerted others about the inconsistent supply of commercial cylinders; likewise, consumers (households) are beginning to switch to alternative products (e.g., induction cooking) as a reflection of the anticipatory mindset to address the uncertainty created through perceptions of Product Scarcity.
State Response: Managing Misinformation or Behaviour?
The government has taken a variety of approaches, from advisories and enforcement actions to communicating with citizens indirectly. For example, State Governments have been directed to combat misinformation, monitor supply chains and take action against hoarding and black market activity. There has been a significant increase in the level of large- scale enforcement activity, with over 3,700 raids carried out to crack down on hoarding and black marketing related to LPG, in addition to confiscating cylinders and issuing penalties to those who break the law. In addition, the authorities have also focused on maintaining regular communication with the public in order to reassure them about the supply of LPG and fuel stability.
Geopolitical Context: Why Rumours Are Believable
Understanding today’s panic requires an understanding of the global environment: i.e., due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the energy markets are unstable, and energy supply is uncertain not only in West Asia but across a large part of the world. Even if domestic supply remains stable, public perception is affected by global instability. A clear example of this can be seen in neighbouring countries to India; Pakistan has seen significant increases in the cost of fuel, implemented measures such as reducing the number of days individuals work each week, and has created public support mechanisms; Bangladesh has imposed restrictions on the use of energy, has shortened the number of hours individuals can operate businesses each day, and has restricted the total amount of energy used; Sri Lanka has begun to ration fuel, and to increase the price of petrol; and Nepal has reduced the numbers of days individuals may work each week, and has adjusted supply.
All of these examples are not isolated instances, but are markers of a common regional environment. As we live in a global community that is connected in many ways, these developments will quickly affect public expectations everywhere. Therefore, for consumers in India, seeing evidence of rationing of fuel and shortages of fuel in neighbouring countries increases their belief that these types of problems could occur in their country.
Critical Perspective: Between Panic and Precaution
The LPG incident has brought about questions surrounding the nature of misinformation in terms of its definition & regulation. One of the main concerns is whether or not "misinformation" is being cast too widely. To be sure, false claims need to be addressed; however, not everything that is responded to publicly is based on untrue facts, as many times public responses are based on perceived risk via global and/or local incidents that occur. Perhaps the greatest challenge is the difficulty in differentiating precaution and panic. People’s memories of the COVID-19 pandemic are fresh in their minds and will serve to influence their behaviours moving onward, in that many people are stockpiling or preparing for uncertainty not out of irrational fear, but as an anticipatory response to their prior experiences.
Conclusion
The Indian LPG "crisis" is not so much a problem with actual supply chain breakdown as it is a result of how information and behaviour are connected through perception. This cohabitating environment of panic buying, law enforcement, and government assurance demonstrates an evident disconnect and gap between how governments present a narrative and how the public responds. While there is some role of misinformation within this discourse, the misinformation itself extends beyond any or all false claims about LPG supply and operates within a greater ecosystem of global uncertainty and personal experience. As such, and because of this, perception becomes an incredibly strong force in itself that produces true economic consequences.
Reference
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2248640&utm_source®=3&lang=2
- https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-addresses-the-lok-sabha-on-the-ongoing-conflict-in-west-asia/
- https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/iran-war-middle-east-conflict-why-the-lpg-crisis-is-forcing-migrants-to-quietly-leave-delhi-11313629
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/thieves-steal-108-lpg-cylinders-from-godown-in-up/articleshow/130035518.cms
- https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arrested-rumours-lpg-petrol-shortage-police-chasing-views-10614193/
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/social-media-rumours-fuel-panic-buying-in-some-up-districts-situation-normal-in-lucknow-101774465353107.html
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/fear-of-shortage-price-rise-fuels-panic-buying-across-goa/articleshow/129810144.cms
- https://www.news18.com/cities/new-delhi-news/online-rumours-offline-rush-panic-buying-sweeps-petrol-pumps-across-cities-whats-the-truth-ws-ln-9995684.html
- https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/3700-raids-conducted-across-country-to-wipe-out-lpg-black-marketing-says-centre/articleshow/130025232.cms
- https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/induction-stoves-fly-off-shelves-india-gas-shortage-fears-spark-panic-buying-2026-03-12/
- https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/restaurant-body-warns-of-closures-over-commercial-lpg-supply-concerns-writes-to-minister-11194418
- https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/fpj-dialogue-we-are-getting-only-1-cylinder-instead-of-10-says-ahar-president-vijay-shetty-on-mumbai-lpg-crisis
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/fuel-cuts-wfh-and-more-how-indias-neighbours-are-dealing-with-global-energy-crisis-triggered-by-us-iran-war-101775397199941.html
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/four-step-fuel-supply-plan-national-cabinet-fuel-crisis/106512706
- https://tribune.net.ph/2026/04/07/philippines-scrambles-as-regional-oil-crisis-hits
Introduction
In the hyper-connected era, something as mundane as charging your phone can become a gateway to cyberattacks. A recent experience of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reignited fears of an emerging digital menace called juice jacking. Sarma, who was taking an Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai, used an international charger and cable provided by another passenger on board. As he afterwards reported on X (formerly Twitter), the passenger got off while he slept and so could not return the borrowed items. Though most people admired the CM's humility and openness, cybersecurity experts and citizens were quick to point out a possible red flag, that it could be a juice-jacking attempt. Whether by design or not, the scene calls out to the concealed risks of using unfamiliar charging equipment, particularly for those who hold sensitive roles.
What Is Juice Jacking?
Juice jacking takes advantage of the multi-purpose nature of USB connectors, which can carry both electrical energy and information. Attackers hack USB ports or cables to either:
- Insert harmful payloads (malware, spyware, ransomware) during power transfer, or
- Create unauthorised data pathways for silent information exfiltration.
Types of Juice Jacking Attacks
- Data Theft (Exfiltration Attack): The USB cable or port is rigged to silently extract files, media, contacts, keystrokes, or login information from the attached phone.
- Malware Injection (Payload Attack): The USB device is set to impersonate a Human Interface Device (HID), such as a keyboard. It sends pre-defined commands (shell scripts, command-line inputs) to the host, loading backdoors or spying tools.
- Firmware Tampering: In more sophisticated cases, attackers implement persistent malware at the bootloader or firmware level, bypassing antivirus protection and living through factory resets.
- Remote Command-and-Control Installation: Certain strains of malware initiate backdoors to enable remote access to the device over the internet upon reconnection to a live network.
Why the Assam CM’s Incident Raised Flags
Whereas CM Sarma's experience was one of thanks, the digital repercussions of this scenario are immense:
- High-value targets like government officials, diplomats, and corporate executives tend to have sensitive information.
- A hacked cable can be used as a spy tool, sending information or providing remote access.
- With the USB On-The-Go (OTG) feature in contemporary Android and iOS devices, an attacker can run autorun scripts and deploy payloads at device connect/disconnect.
- If device encryption is poor or security settings are incorrectly configured, attackers may gain access to location, communication history, and app credentials.
Technical Juice Jacking Indicators
The following are indications that a device could have been attacked:
- Unsolicited request for USB file access or data syncing on attaching.
- Faster battery consumption (from background activities).
- The device is acting strangely, launching apps or entering commands without user control.
- Installation of new apps without authorisation.
- Data consumption increases even if no browsing is ongoing.
CyberPeace Tech-Policy Advisory: Preventing Juice Jacking
- Hardware-Level Mitigation
- Utilise USB Data Blockers: Commonly referred to as "USB condoms," such devices plug the data pins (D+ and D-), letting only power (Vcc and GND) pass through. This blocks all data communication over USB.
- Charge-Only Cables: Make use of cables that physically do not have data lines. These are specifically meant to provide power only.
- Carry a Power Bank: Use your own power source, if possible, for charging, particularly in airports, conferences, or flights.
- Operating System(OS) Level Protections
- iOS Devices:
Enable USB Restricted Mode:
Keep USB accessories from being able to connect when your iPhone is locked.
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → USB Accessories → Off
- Android Devices:
Disable USB Debugging:
Debugging makes device access available for development, but it can be taken advantage of. If USB Debugging is turned on, and someone connects your phone to a computer, they might be able to access your data, install apps, or even control your phone, especially if your phone is unlocked. Hence, it should be kept off.
Settings → Developer Options → USB Debugging → Off
- Set USB Default to 'Charge Only'
Settings → Connected Devices → USB Preferences → Default USB Configuration → Charge Only
3) Behavioural Recommendations
- Never take chargers or USB cables from strangers.
- Don't use public USB charging points, particularly at airports or coffee shops.
- Turn full-disk encryption on on your device. It is supported by most Android and all iOS devices.
- Deploy endpoint security software that can identify rogue USB commands and report suspicious behaviour.
- Check cables or ports physically, many attack cables are indistinguishable from legitimate ones (e.g., O.MG cables).
Conclusion
"Juice jacking is no longer just a theoretical or obscure threat. In the age of highly mobile, USB-charged devices, physical-layer attacks are becoming increasingly common, and their targets are growing more strategic. The recent case involving the Assam Chief Minister was perhaps harmless, but it did serve to underscore a fundamental vulnerability in daily digital life. As mobile security becomes more relevant to individuals and organisations worldwide, knowing about hardware-based attacks like juice jacking is essential. Security never needs to be sacrificed for convenience, particularly when an entire digital identity might be at risk with just a single USB cable.
References
- https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/assam-chief-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-x-post-on-emirates-passenger-sparks-juice-jacking-concerns-2706349-2025-04-09
- https://www.cert-in.org.in/s2cMainServlet?pageid=PUBVLNOTES02&VLCODE=CIAD-2016-0085
- https://www.fcc.gov/juice-jacking-tips-to-avoid-it
- https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/juice-jacking
- https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT208857
- https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options
