Ruined my life: UP woman dies by suicide, alleges AI-generated video blackmail

A 20-year-old beautician and makeup artist died by suicide in Uttar Pradesh after recording a video accusing four people of repeatedly harassing and blackmailing her, saying they had "ruined" her life, while her husband claimed that the harassment involved AI-generated videos that were used to blackmail her. Komal Mishra, who lived with her husband Saurabh Dwivedi in UP's Etawah district, sent the video to him moments before taking the extreme step. In the recording, she named Rubina Khan, Sabina Khan, Abhishek Singh and Ritesh Roy, holding them responsible for her death."These four people are the reason I am hanging myself... They have ruined my home. If I die, they should be imprisoned for life," Komal said in the video.She also said that the accused had been threatening to reveal details of her life before marriage to her husband and in-laws, leaving her under severe mental stress.As per her husband, the harassment also involved AI-generated videos and photographs that were being used to blackmail her."My husband is very nice. He loves me a lot... He should not be blamed for my death," Komal said in the video, adding that she alone was taking the decision.Saurabh, who works as a clerk at the Barhpura block office, said he rushed Komal to a hospital after receiving the video, but doctors declared her dead.He told police that Komal worked as a makeup artist, beautician and event organiser and had recently returned from Jaipur. According to him, some of her acquaintances had been harassing and blackmailing her using AI-generated videos and morphed photographs, leaving her under immense mental distress.Komal and Saurabh had married for love around three-and-a-half years ago and are survived by their two young children. Police said they have recovered multiple videos from Komal's mobile phone and are verifying the allegations made in the recording."The videos recovered from the deceased's mobile phone are being examined and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the investigation," police said.The body has been sent for post-mortem examination and further investigation is underway.- EndsPublished By: Shipra ParasharPublished On: Jul 22, 2026 12:44 IST