Government Debunks AI-Edited Dharmendra Pradhan Video, Says Pakistani Propaganda Accounts Spread Fake Clip

The Centre has dismissed as fake a viral video purportedly showing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan making controversial remarks against the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), stating that the clip was digitally altered using artificial intelligence and circulated by Pakistani propaganda accounts.

On Friday, the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit issued a clarification, calling the video “fabricated” and urging the public not to fall for misinformation. According to the government, the remarks attributed to Pradhan were never made by the minister.

In a statement posted on X, PIB Fact Check said that certain Pakistani propaganda accounts were circulating a manipulated video featuring the Union minister with fabricated and baseless claims.

The fact-checking unit categorically stated that Dharmendra Pradhan had not made any such statement and advised citizens to verify viral content through official government sources before sharing it further.

What the fake video claimed

The manipulated clip falsely portrays Pradhan responding to demands from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been leading protests seeking his resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.

In the AI-generated version, the minister appears to make derogatory remarks about the protestors, allegedly saying that “big politicians do not resign because of cockroaches” and claiming they are instead “crushed under shoes and thrown into dirty gutters.” The fabricated clip also includes a warning that those attempting to intimidate the government would face consequences.

The PIB clarified that these remarks were entirely fabricated and never spoken by the minister.

Original video unrelated to controversy

According to the government, the original video was posted by Dharmendra Pradhan on June 18 and had no connection whatsoever to the ongoing protests.

The authentic video featured the minister speaking about Sital Sasthi, describing it as a unique symbol of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and identity. The original post celebrated the traditional festival and did not contain any political comments related to the NEET paper leak or the Cockroach Janta Party.

The government said the original footage was manipulated using AI technology to create a misleading narrative.

Protests demanding Pradhan’s resignation continue

The clarification comes as demonstrations demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation continue across the country.

The Cockroach Janta Party, which began as a satirical movement following remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has evolved into a protest platform focused on the alleged NEET paper leak. Its primary demand remains the resignation of the education minister.

Friday marked the 35th day of the protests. During the day, CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka held a nearly two-hour meeting with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club of India.

Following the meeting, party leaders claimed that the Centre had sought additional time until Saturday afternoon to consider their demand for Pradhan’s resignation.

The group also said the government appeared receptive to two other demands: compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy, and assurances that no criminal cases would be registered against protesting students.

Government promises action on NEET paper leak

Meanwhile, the Centre has reiterated that it is taking stringent action against those responsible for the NEET paper leak.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced legislation providing for fast-track courts and tougher punishments for individuals involved in examination paper leaks.

Addressing the nation through a video message, the Prime Minister acknowledged the distress caused to lakhs of students and their families, saying the government fully recognised the seriousness of the issue. He added that multiple concrete steps had already been taken over the past two-and-a-half months, including the arrest of those allegedly involved in the paper leak, who are currently in judicial custody.

The latest PIB clarification underscores the government’s growing concern over AI-generated misinformation and its potential to influence public opinion during politically sensitive developments.