On January 13, 2026, Maharashtra Cyber officials arrested the man behind a viral AI-generated intimate video of Indian gaming star Payal Gaming (Payal Dhare). The 19-minute clip, titled “Payal Gaming Dubai MMS,” spread quickly online. Payal clarified it was a deepfake and got help from the cyber department.
Police Track Down Abhishek Jadhav
Officials filed FIR No. 52/2025 under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act. They charged him with online defamation, identity fraud, and sharing sexually explicit material. The cyber team shared photos of legal notices on their Instagram.
Abhishek Jadhav created the fake video. He revealed his own name in a video apology. His Instagram ID is ‘dobiga’. You can watch his apology here.
Abhishek Apologizes Publicly
In the clip from Maharashtra Cyber, Abhishek says sorry to Payal and the cyber unit. He admits he used AI to make the deepfake and defame her. He regrets uploading it and causing the viral buzz.
Why Target Payal Gaming?
The video claimed Payal leaked an intimate clip from Dubai. It went viral to grab clicks. Payal gained huge fame in late 2025 as the “viral girl” in the stands at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final between India and Australia in Dubai.
On December 17, 2025, Payal posted on Instagram. She said it’s not her in the video. She called it “deeply hurtful” and “dehumanising.” She plans legal action against AI misuse.
Wider Issue with Deepfakes
Others faced similar attacks. YouTuber Sweet Zannat had her deepfake creator identified. Splitsvilla stars Sakshi Shrivas and Justin D’Cruz dealt with a viral MMS too, but no updates on their case. These cases highlight rising AI misuse, privacy breaches, and harassment of influencers.
