Fact Check: Viral Image of Jimisha Avlani in BJP Attire Is AI-Generated

A viral mugshot-type image circulating on social media shows Jimisha Avlani, an Indian tourist recently accused of attempting to shoplift nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from a Target store in Illinois, wearing saffron clothing along with a BJP scarf and cap, suggesting she is a BJP office-bearer. 

The archived version of the post can be seen here, which has clocked 406K views so far.

Fact Check

Newschecker closely observed the viral mugshot, and noticed certain visual discrepancies, such as a mismatch in the lotus designs on either side of the cap and a distorted ‘B’ on the green path of the scarf around her neck, which are common indicators of AI editing. 

Official Mugshot Confirms Arrest in Illinois

A deeper investigation led us to Avlani’s official mugshot on a website listing recent arrests in McHenry County, Illinois, confirming that she was detained by the Algonquin Police Department and charged with “720-5/16-25(a)(1) – Retail Theft – Taking Merchandise from Retail Establishment With Intent to Deprive Merchant Without Paying.” Additionally, a user on X shared a screenshot of this original mugshot, which bears a strong resemblance to the viral images depicting Avlani in BJP attire. This similarity suggests the viral images have likely been digitally altered from the authentic arrest photo. The archived page can be seen here. 

Viral Avlani Image Is AI-Manipulated

We then contacted the Deepfakes Analysis Unit (DAU) of the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA), which includes Newschecker, to independently review the viral image portraying Jimisha Avlani as a BJP party worker. The DAU ran the image past AI or Not, an AI-content detection tool, which said it was likely a deepfake.

We also ran the image past Fake Image Detector, which flagged the image as computer-generated or modified while it did not detect any error in the original photo

Similar Image Of Avlani In Congress Attire Goes Viral

Newschecker noticed that another photograph of Avlani, this time wearing a Congress scarf and cap, too, went viral, clocking 363K views, indicating that her purported political affiliation may likely just be a false narrative spread by followers of both the BJP and the Congress across social media platforms. 

Also, Newschecker’s investigation found no evidence, credible news reports or official statements confirming Avlani’s formal ties to either the BJP or the Congress.

Newschecker ran the image past AI-detection tools, which did not state that it was manipulated by AI. However, Fake Image Detector flagged the image as computer-generated or digitally modified, which further confirmed that the viral BJP and Congress images circulating online have been artificially altered and are not genuine photographs.

We have contacted Jimisha Avlani’s legal representatives for comment on the viral AI-generated/manipulated photographs and will update this report if and when we receive a response.

Also Read: Did India Army Chief Admit 250 Soldiers Were Martyred In Recent Conflict With Pakistan?

Sources
Self-analysis
DAU’s analysis
Mugshot of Jimisha Avlani
Fake Image Detector