A cybercrime investigation has started in Bengaluru after the Sandalwood actress Rukmini Vasanth filed a complaint against people who allegedly created and circulated AI-generated deepfake images and videos of her. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed, and cases against some social media accounts were launched.
The actress alleged false images and videos by using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology as a way to digitally overlay her face with another person’s body. The manipulated images and videos, such as fake bikini photographs and videos, were shared throughout social media sites.
Rukmini Vasanth said the contents were all fake and had caused her embarrassment and emotional distress. She also claimed that the deepfake producers and distributors of the material sought to tarnish her image and her public profile.
Based on the complaint, cybercrime investigators have identified 29 social media accounts to have been involved in spreading or promoting the manipulated content. The identified accounts include nine Instagram accounts, fourteen X (formerly Twitter) accounts, and six Facebook pages.
Police have registered a case under several provisions of the Information Technology Act, including Sections 66C and 66D, which deal with identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources. In addition, several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), such as Sections 75(3), 79, 336, 351, 352, 356, and 294, have been invoked in this investigation.
Now, authorities are trying to find out the people behind the accounts and how the deepfake content was generated. We expect to seek technical help from social media platforms and digital forensic experts to find out who was behind that," said the social media expert.
The case highlights the increased threat posed by the use of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. In recent years, the entertainment industry has seen a rise in instances of digitally manipulated images and videos targeting celebrities. That kind of content spreads quickly online, and victims can’t control the damage to their reputation.
Not for the first time has a prominent Indian actress been targeted by deepfake digital tools. Earlier this month, actress Rashmika Mandanna got her image hijacked on social media, and there were accusations of false reporting on the story.
Other celebrities have also approached law enforcement agencies over online abuse and harassment. Veteran Kannada actress Ramya and Vijayalakshmi, wife of Kannada actor Darshan, had already filed complaints about abusive and obscene comments on social media and received legal action against offenders.
With Rukmini Vasanth’s case now under investigation, cybercrime officials will be taking very tough action against those who are responsible. The development and circulation of deepfake content will also be at high risk of prosecution, authorities have said.
The incident has once again raised concerns in the film industry about digital privacy, online harassment, and the growing misuse of AI tools to target public figures.
