A chilling case of identity theft and AI misuse has surfaced in India, where a woman’s face was digitally manipulated and used to create a fictional online persona that gained millions of followers—without her knowledge or consent.

The victim, a homemaker from Dibrugarh, Assam, known publicly as Sanchi to protect her privacy, found herself at the center of a viral online sensation after her ex-boyfriend allegedly created an AI-generated erotic influencer, “Babydoll Archi,” using her personal photos.

An AI Fantasy Built on Real Harm

“Babydoll Archi” rose to fame on Instagram, amassing 1.4 million followers in a matter of days. The account featured videos and images of a woman in seductive poses, including a viral clip of her dancing in a red sari and another showing her alongside U.S. adult film actress Kendra Lust.

What began as internet curiosity quickly escalated into a serious privacy and criminal matter when it was revealed that no such person existed—the influencer was entirely fabricated using AI tools and images of the unsuspecting victim.

Sanchi only discovered the deception after media outlets began profiling “Babydoll Archi,” even speculating about her potential entry into the adult industry—a first for someone from her region.

A Digital Crime Driven by Revenge

Authorities say the person behind the account is Pratim Bora, Sanchi’s former partner. A mechanical engineer with a background in artificial intelligence, Bora allegedly created the profile to exact revenge after their relationship ended.

According to Sizal Agarwal, a senior police officer leading the investigation, Bora initially used Sanchi’s real photos and later morphed them using AI tools such as ChatGPT and Dzine. Over time, the account evolved into a fully synthetic identity populated with deepfake images and videos.

Bora was arrested on 12 July in Tinsukia, a nearby district, and is currently in custody. Police have seized his electronic devices and bank records, revealing that the account had been monetized, generating an estimated 1 million rupees (approximately $12,000), including ₹300,000 in just five days.

“My client was not even aware of the account. She doesn’t use social media,” said the investigating officer.
“She and her family were completely blocked from seeing the content.”

The Emotional and Psychological Toll

Sanchi’s family filed a police complaint on 11 July, submitting printouts of the images and videos as evidence. The short complaint didn’t name any suspect initially due to their lack of awareness of who was behind it.

Upon discovery, Sanchi was left deeply distressed. She is now undergoing psychological counselling, according to authorities.

“She is extremely shaken, but receiving support. The fact that this account reached such heights before being discovered only made the impact worse,” said Ms Agarwal.

Social Media Accountability and Challenges

The case has prompted renewed criticism of social media platforms, especially Meta (parent company of Instagram), for not detecting or removing such content earlier. While Instagram has since taken down the “Babydoll Archi” account, the images and videos continue to circulate across other pages.

Meta has not responded to BBC’s inquiries, though it generally prohibits sexually explicit content and claims to have removed ads for AI deepfake tools in the past.

Legal Framework and the Road Ahead

Police have charged Bora under multiple sections of Indian law, including:

• Sexual harassment
• Distribution of obscene material
• Defamation
• Forgery with intent to harm reputation
• Cybercrime
• Cheating by impersonation

If convicted, Bora could face up to 10 years in prison.

What the Law Says – And What It Doesn’t

Legal experts say this case highlights a critical gap in the legal system’s preparedness to handle AI-driven crimes, especially when technology enables the impersonation of real people with frightening realism.

Meghna Bal, a lawyer and AI policy expert, described the situation as “horrible, but nearly impossible to prevent.” While India has sufficient laws to address non-consensual intimate imagery and online defamation, she notes that the legal system is not yet fully equipped to deal with the broader implications of generative AI.

“Women have long been victims of revenge porn and image-based abuse. AI just makes it easier and harder to trace,” she said.
“These cases are likely under-reported, especially when the victims have no digital presence and remain unaware of being exploited.”

She emphasized the need for a balanced legal approach.

“Deepfakes aren’t inherently bad—they have legitimate creative and educational uses. But the law must evolve to protect individuals without stifling innovation or free expression.”

Public Outcry and the Need for Awareness

The case has sparked widespread outrage across India, with calls for tougher regulations on AI misuse, stronger enforcement by tech companies, and greater public awareness around digital rights and safety.

Experts agree that education, digital literacy, and prompt reporting mechanisms are key to addressing such issues in the long term. But they also acknowledge that once something goes viral, complete removal from the internet becomes nearly impossible.

Conclusion: A Stark Warning in the Age of AI

Sanchi’s story is a sobering reminder of the dark potential of artificial intelligence when combined with personal vendettas and inadequate safeguards. In a world where digital identities can be crafted and monetized in days, protecting one’s privacy is no longer just about passwords or privacy settings—it’s about legislation, vigilance, and accountability.

As this case moves through the legal system, it may well serve as a landmark moment in India’s digital justice era, one that forces the conversation about ethics, rights, and protections in the age of generative AI.