In PIB's regret over doctoring PM Modi's image, claim of difference between merging pics, photoshopping

NEW DELHI: Facing a massive flak for posting a doctored photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi surveying Tamil Nadu floods from a helicopter, state-run Press and Information Bureau ( PIB) on Friday expressed regret, saying the incident happened due to an "error of judgment".

In the picture posted by the PIB on its website and Twitter, submerged houses and rooftops could be seen with an unusual clarity through the chopper's window, which the critics pointed out could not be possible during an aerial survey.

The photo, which soon went viral and triggered a barrage of memes, was soon removed from Twitter and the PIB website after questions were raised on social media about its authenticity.

In a clarification issued in New Delhi, the PIB said, "Out of the seven pictures released, one picture used the technique of merging two pictures. This is being referred to as 'photoshopping' in sections of media."

"This happened due to error of judgment and the picture was subsequently deleted. PIB regrets the release of the above mentioned picture and inconvenience caused is regretted," it added.

The Prime Minister had made an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas of Chennai, its suburbs and Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts on Thursday.