Jayapur: The Forest Department has debunked a viral photograph claiming the presence of a 10-foot crocodile in the Badapada river under Jayantigiri panchayat of Jayapur block, saying the image was AI-generated and no crocodile was found in the river.
The Borigumma Forest Department arrested two brothers, Purna Bhumia and Surendra Bhumia, of Badapada village for allegedly circulating the fake photograph and creating panic among local residents. A case has been registered against them under the Information Technology Act and an investigation is underway.
The photograph, which surfaced on social media on Monday, purportedly showed a giant crocodile on the riverbank and triggered fear among farmers and residents of Malda and Badapada areas. Following an inquiry, forest officials found that the image was digitally generated and that there was no evidence of a crocodile in the river.
The administration has cautioned people against sharing unverified or misleading information on social media and urged them to rely on official sources for confirmation of such claims.
