Two arrested in Telangana over alleged AI-generated Maoist threat letters

Medak police have arrested two 23-year-old men for allegedly planting threat letters purporting to be from Maoists at a municipal office and police station in Toopran, Telangana. The suspects were identified as Banda Madhu and Chintakindi Sridhar, both residents of Nagulapalli village. Police said the pair acted to attract publicity and increase social-media followers and views.

According to Medak Superintendent of Police D.V. Srinivasa Rao, a masked man entered Toopran police station at about 1.30am on the night of September 21-22 and left a red cloth containing a letter on the reception desk. Another person waited outside on a motorcycle.

A similar letter was placed near the Toopran municipal office around the same time. The letters carried names and sickle-and-hammer symbols, according to police. A special team led by Toopran Deputy Superintendent of Police Narender Goud examined CCTV footage and technical evidence.

The investigation identified Madhu as the alleged main planner, the SP said. Police alleged that Madhu used artificial intelligence to draft the letter, prepared three modified copies and later wore a mask and raincoat while placing one inside the station. He allegedly recorded the act on his mobile phone and shared photographs and videos with associates.

The two men were arrested near Nagulapalli Bridge on Thursday. Police seized a motorcycle, two mobile phones, a raincoat, a shawl and pens. The SP said Madhu had attempted a similar act earlier in Medaram, but it had not generated the publicity he expected.