Barmer Deepfake Scandal: Accused Honored at R-Day, Collector Revokes Award After MLA Protest

• A deepfake accused was honored at Barmer's Republic Day ceremony by Collector Tina Dabi and Minister K.K. Bishnoi.
• Independent MLA Ritu Banawat protested, alleging the honoree, Dinesh Manju, was involved in circulating her deepfake video.
• The district administration had honored Manju for environmental and wildlife conservation based on a committee's recommendation.
• Following the MLA's strong protest and raising the issue in the Assembly, Collector Tina Dabi revoked the honor.
• A departmental inquiry has been ordered against personnel for failing to report cases against the honoree before the award.

Why It Matters: A deepfake accused was mistakenly honored at a Republic Day event, leading to a major administrative blunder.