What happened

Indian officials released sketches of the alleged perpetrators of the 22 April 2025 attack near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir - which left 28 civilians dead, most of them Hindu tourists. 

Experts and observers quickly noted that these visuals exhibited stylistic uniformity and lacked the distinctive qualities of hand-drawn forensic sketches, strongly suggesting the use of AI-generated imagery.

The move sparked widespread controversy, raising concerns about the accuracy and authenticity of the investigation, as well as the ethical implications of using synthetic media in criminal cases. 

Critics argue that the use of AI-generated sketches may mislead the public, undermine trust in law enforcement, and potentially result in wrongful identification or escalation of communal tensions.

Why it happened

Analysts suggest that the decision to employ AI-generated sketches was likely driven by a desire to quickly shape public perception and demonstrate swift progress in the investigation, especially amidst intense national outrage and political pressure. 

The lack of transparency regarding the creation process and absence of corroborating forensic details or witness input further fueled skepticism about the motives behind the release. 

Pakistani critics allege this was part of a broader strategy of narrative control by the Indian government during a period of heightened regional tension. Some see it as part of an attempt to deliberately manipulate public opinion ahead of India's response to the attack.