Bahawalpur teen jailed over alleged AI-assisted poisoning attempt

A 17-year-old student from Bahawalpur has been sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand in a case involving an alleged attempt to poison his father after reportedly seeking information from artificial intelligence.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) presented the teenager before Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo after his three-day physical remand ended. The investigating officer told the court that further physical custody was no longer required.

The magistrate subsequently sent the suspect to jail on judicial remand and directed the investigating officer to submit the charge sheet within the required period.

During the hearing, the court was informed that the teenager was the only son of his parents and was studying in the second year in Bahawalpur. His father reportedly told investigators that his son had an interest in conducting different types of research.

According to investigators, the teenager was arrested on September 23 following an inquiry into allegations that he had planned to kill his father after developing strained relations with him.

The NCCIA said the teenager had developed an interest in chemistry after watching the crime drama Breaking Bad. Investigators alleged that he had established a small laboratory at home where he conducted chemical experiments.

Authorities further alleged that he obtained chemical materials from Australia and Islamabad and prepared a substance at home. The substance was reportedly administered to his father on one occasion, but the alleged poisoning attempt did not succeed.

Investigators said the teenager later turned to an AI system for additional information, allegedly asking how a poisonous substance could be administered in a way that would avoid detection.

The case came to the attention of the NCCIA through an automated monitoring system. Following the alert, a team was formed to investigate the matter and subsequently arrested the teenager in Bahawalpur.

Investigators are continuing to examine the chemicals allegedly used, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the teenager’s online activities.

The case has also renewed discussion about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly by minors seeking information related to harmful activities.