Kanche Gachibowli land row: Dia Mirza denies sharing fake AI content after CM Revanth Reddy accuses celebrities of spreading misleading videos; govt moves HC

NEW DELHI: In a strong rebuttal to allegations made by the Telangana Chief Minister's Office (CMO), actor Dia Mirza has denied spreading fake AI-generated content regarding the controversial land dispute in Kanche Gachibowli near Hyderabad Central University campus.The CMO had earlier accused several prominent celebrities, including Mirza, John Abraham, and Raveena Tandon, of circulating misleading videos and images linked to the dispute over a 400-acre plot in Hyderabad.Taking to social media, Mirza responded to the accusations, saying, "I did not post or share any AI-generated content. I stand by environmental causes but would never knowingly contribute to spreading misinformation." She further emphasized her commitment to responsible, fact-based activism and urged her followers to always verify information before sharing it.Read related stories: Kancha Gachibowli forest row: Telangana high court defers hearing to April 24; forest dept seeks probe into 'fake wildlife images'Despite her denial, the Telangana CMO has called for greater responsibility among celebrities and public figures in ensuring the accuracy of the content they share on social media platforms.Meanwhile, the Telangana government filed a petition in the high court on Monday, requesting an investigation into the alleged use of AI-generated content to spread false narratives surrounding the 400-acre land in Kanche Gachibowli. The move comes after chief minister Revanth Reddy expressed concern about the negative impact these misleading narratives are having on the state's efforts to develop IT infrastructure in the area.The controversy surrounding the land development project has sparked protests from students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH). The students claim the land belongs to the university, while the state government maintains that it is state-owned. The matter is now under legal scrutiny in both the Telangana High Court and the Supreme Court.The CMO's concerns stem from the role AI-generated fake videos and images have played in amplifying the controversy. The CM specifically cited instances where AI-created footage of environmental destruction—such as peacocks crying and deer fleeing bulldozers—was shared widely, misleading the public and stoking opposition to the development project."The creation of fake content using AI is a pandemic worse than the coronavirus," the CM remarked in a review meeting at the state secretariat, expressing frustration over how the spread of such misinformation has fueled unwarranted controversies. He also called out public figures, including Union minister Kishan Reddy, former minister Jagadish Reddy, and social media influencers like Dhruv Rathi, for sharing the misleading videos, which contributed to public confusion.(With agency inputs)