The management of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Maharashtra, on Wednesday, issued a press release, stating that the video or photo of a person patting a tiger on a village street inside the tiger reserve on social media is entirely fake and has been generated using artificial intelligence (AI). No such incident has occurred within or around the Tiger Reserve, it stated.

 

Circulation of such misleading and fabricated visual creates unnecessary panic and spreads misinformation regarding wildlife management and public safety. In last 24 hours, the video got viral on social media platforms in which a person, under the influence of liquor, is patting a tiger on village street and the content further suggests that the tiger had strayed due to monsoon floods and that, Forest officials later intervened. Deputy Director, PTR in the press release stated that the management requested citizens to refrain from sharing such unverified and sensational content on social media platforms. The Forest Department consistently monitors the movement of wildlife and ensures timely intervention in case of any conflict-related situation. Strict action may be initiated under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Information Technology Act, and other applicable laws against those found creating or circulating false content that may cause public alarm or harm the reputation of the Reserve. For accurate information and updates, please rely only on official communications from the PTR or the Maharashtra Forest Department, it urged.