Union Minister Piyush Goyal has issued a stern clarification regarding a video circulating on social media platforms, labeling it as a complete fabrication and a deepfake generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI), while the Minister emphasized that such irresponsible misuse of technology for spreading misinformation is unacceptable and has taken formal legal action by lodging a First Information Report (FIR) against the perpetrators. The controversy erupted when a video surfaced showing the Minister allegedly making harsh comments regarding a protest by an entity referred to as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
The Content of the Viral Deepfake Video
The video in question depicts Minister Piyush Goyal speaking to the media outside the Parliament premises. In the manipulated footage, he's heard suggesting that two or three cockroaches should be publicly hanged. The fake audio further claims that this action would make the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) realize the extent of the government's power and the lengths to which it can go. The fabricated statement suggests that once these individuals see their peers being hanged in such a manner, their uproar or hooliganism would be silenced. This video quickly gained traction, leading to significant public outcry and anger on social media before the Minister stepped in to clarify the facts.
Piyush Goyal Issues Clarification and Files FIR
As soon as the video gained visibility, Minister Piyush Goyal took to social media to debunk the claims. He shared a post stating that in an attempt to spread misinformation, his words spoken to the media outside Parliament were maliciously altered using AI to create a deepfake video. To ensure accountability, the Minister has filed a formal complaint with the police. An FIR (Number 123/26) was registered at the Chanakyapuri Police Station on July 25, 2026, at 4:35 AM. Goyal asserted that strict legal action would be taken against everyone involved in creating, spreading, or promoting this fake video. He maintained that the irresponsible misuse of Artificial Intelligence to mislead the public can't and won't be tolerated.
Appeal to Citizens and PIB Fact Check Findings
Minister Piyush Goyal has appealed to the general public to rely only on verified and trusted sources for information. He expressed confidence that the aware and tech-savvy citizens of India, especially the youth, wouldn't fall victim to such misinformation. He noted that such actions aren't only misleading but also detrimental to democratic dialogue. Simultaneously, the PIB Fact Check has also confirmed the video to be fake, while in a social media post, PIB stated that the video isn't authentic and was prepared with the help of AI. The fact-check wing warned against Pakistani propaganda accounts that were circulating the video with false claims that the Minister made threatening remarks against protesting students. PIB clarified that Minister Piyush Goyal has made no such statement regarding the protests in Delhi.