A photo claiming to show a leopard roaming near South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) went viral on social media, sparking panic among locals. However, forest officials have confirmed that the image was AI-generated and fake.
According to the Forest Department, the photo was shared online by two individuals, leading to widespread alarm in the area. Upon investigation, officials determined that the image did not correspond to any real sighting and had been created using artificial intelligence tools.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“The viral image circulating on social media showing a leopard near SGDH is not authentic. It was generated using AI and digitally manipulated to appear real,” a senior forest officer said.
The two individuals responsible for circulating the photo have admitted to their mistake, claiming they shared it without verifying its authenticity. Authorities have seized their mobile phones for forensic examination to trace the source of the image and any related activity.
Forest officials have warned that spreading misinformation or panic through fake wildlife sightings is a punishable offence. Appropriate legal action will be taken against those involved in the incident to deter similar acts in the future, officials confirmed.
