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Viral Claim of Indian 'Spy' Arrest in Bahrain Debunked as Likely AI-Generated Image

India’s fact-check unit dismisses the allegation after Bahrain named six detainees who were not Indian.

Overview

  • Bahrain’s Police Media Centre announced on Mar. 9 that six Asian nationals were arrested for recording and sharing videos of Iranian aggression that could disturb public order.
  • The detainees were identified as Pakistanis Afzal Khan, Muhammad Muaz Akbar, Ahmad Mumtaz, Arsalan Sajid, Abdul Rahman Abdul Sattar, and Bangladeshi Muhammad Israfil Mir.
  • India Today’s analysis found telltale flaws in the circulating “Nitin Mohan” photo, indicating it was AI-generated or edited.
  • India’s Ministry of External Affairs Fact-Check wing stated on Mar. 10 that claims of an Indian arrested in Bahrain were “false and baseless.”
  • A Pakistani X account and several regional outlets had promoted the now-debunked story alleging an Indian telecom engineer spied for Israel.