Delhi Police is investigating what it describes as a potentially coordinated digital campaign linked to the student protests held at Jantar Mantar in July, with the probe extending beyond social media activity to financial transactions and alleged foreign-linked online networks.
According to details accessed by News18, investigators are examining around 180 influencer and YouTuber accounts, nearly three private digital marketing companies, and more than 400 social media handles allegedly linked to Pakistan.
Officials are probing whether these accounts worked in a coordinated manner to amplify selected protest-related content, potentially creating the perception of a much larger nationwide crisis than the events on the ground.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not publicly identified any influencer, company or social media account under scrutiny. Police officials emphasise that these findings form part of the investigation and have not been tested before a court of law.
Probe Focuses on Coordinated Online Amplification
Investigators are analysing whether a coordinated digital ecosystem was used to rapidly amplify narratives surrounding the demonstrations held at Jantar Mantar on July 19 and 20.
According to police, investigators are studying a recurring pattern involving overseas social media accounts that had previously been active during periods of heightened online activity, including around Operation Sindoor.
Officials suspect that some of these accounts reappeared during the Jantar Mantar protests, raising questions about possible long-term foreign-linked efforts aimed at exploiting domestic issues and increasing social and political tensions within India.
The investigation is examining whether identical or similar narratives were simultaneously promoted across multiple platforms through synchronised posting and engagement.
Financial Transactions Also Under Examination
The probe has also entered the financial domain.
Investigating agencies are examining whether individuals or entities involved in online amplification may have received indirect forms of compensation through channels that are difficult to trace through conventional banking systems.
According to sources, investigators are looking at possible payment mechanisms including:
Peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions.
Affiliate advertising credits.
Third-party marketing consultancy retainers.
Other indirect digital payment routes that may leave little or no traditional paper trail.
Officials are analysing whether any financial links exist between digital content creators and entities suspected of coordinating online campaigns.
Role of Algorithms Under Scrutiny
Police are also examining how social media algorithms may have contributed to the rapid spread of protest-related content.
According to the investigation, misleading claims, edited video clips, deepfakes or exaggerated narratives may initially originate from a limited number of influencer accounts, anonymous handles or foreign-linked pages.
Once such content begins receiving engagement through likes, comments, shares and watch time, platform algorithms can significantly expand its reach, potentially making an issue appear much larger than it initially was.
Investigators are studying whether this pattern occurred during the Jantar Mantar protests.
AI-Generated Content Being Examined
Officials are also investigating whether artificial intelligence tools were used to create multiple versions of similar narratives for dissemination across different social media platforms.
According to the investigation, police are analysing whether identical messages were reposted, remixed and promoted across platforms such as Instagram, X, YouTube and others within short intervals.
Investigators suspect that AI-assisted tools may have enabled rapid production of multiple variations of similar content, allowing narratives to spread simultaneously across different digital ecosystems.
Focus on Whether Amplification Was Deliberate
According to officials, the investigation is not limited to identifying instances of misinformation.
Instead, investigators are seeking to determine whether there was deliberate and coordinated amplification intended to transform a relatively localised protest into a broader online campaign capable of generating public anxiety, anger, confusion and heightened social tensions.
The probe remains ongoing, and Delhi Police has not announced any arrests or filed charges in connection with the digital investigation so far.
Authorities are continuing to examine digital evidence, financial records and social media activity to establish whether any coordinated campaign existed and whether any domestic or foreign actors were involved.
