SI show-caused for using AI to turn suspect’s Argentina jersey into Brazil’s

A sub-inspector of the Barishal Metropolitan Police (BMP) has been served a show-cause notice after allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to alter the image of an arrested suspected drug dealer before it was distributed to journalists through police media cell.

The officer, identified as SI Tanzil Ahmed, was also removed from his responsibility for operating the BMP media WhatsApp group following the incident.

BMP Commissioner Md Ashik Sayeed said that Tanzil has been asked to explain his actions within three days, with further action to follow after reviewing his response.

Rafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kawnia Police Station said Russell Hawlader, 35, an alleged drug dealer, was arrested Monday afternoon from Mohammadpur Colony in ward 5 of Barishal city. Officers recovered 800 yaba tablets from his possession. At the time of arrest, Russell was wearing an Argentina jersey, which police turned inside out before photographing him.

Investigators later found that SI Tanzil used AI-based editing to digitally replace the Argentina jersey with a Brazil jersey before circulating the image to journalists via email and the BMP media WhatsApp group.

Following the controversy and criticism on social media, BMP corrected the image and redistributed the original photo along with accurate information.

Commissioner Ashik said SI Tanzil admitted to altering the image, claiming he believed the edited photo could generate public attention and discussion amid excitement over Brazil’s World Cup campaign.