Pune: Forest Department Clarifies Viral Tiger Image from Junnar is AI-Generated
Junnar, 11 November 2025: The Forest Department has issued a clarification after an image of a tiger allegedly spotted in a farm field at Mangrul in Junnar taluka of Pune district went viral on social media. Officials have confirmed that the image is fake and was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to the Forest Department, an investigation was conducted to verify the authenticity of the image. During the inquiry, officials traced the source to Mr. Dattatray Vinayak Minde, a resident of Mangrul, who had circulated the image. In a written statement, Minde admitted that the image was not real but generated using AI tools.
The department has urged citizens to refrain from believing or sharing unverified information, emphasizing that such posts can cause unnecessary fear and confusion. “We appeal to the public, media houses, and social media users to act responsibly and verify facts before sharing any wildlife-related content,” the statement said.
Officials further warned that spreading false information can disturb social harmony and disrupt normal life. The Forest Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety and protecting wildlife through accurate communication and swift action against misinformation.
