New Delhi: South India’s sensational actress Rashmika Mandanna recently became the talk of the town after her controversial deepfake video went viral on social media a few days ago.
The video not only ignited a huge outcry amongst the public but also drew reaction from top celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan who condemned it and demanded strict action against the culprit.
yes this is a strong case for legal
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) November 5, 2023
Today, the actress’ morphed video controversy is once again in the headlines as Delhi Police has interrogated a boy who allegedly has a connection with the case.
Police interrogate suspect linked with Rashmika Mandhanna’s Deepfake video case
🚨 There is an urgent need for a legal and regulatory framework to deal with deepfake in India.
You might have seen this viral video of actress Rashmika Mandanna on Instagram. But wait, this is a deepfake video of Zara Patel.
This thread contains the actual video. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/SidP1Xa4sT
— Abhishek (@AbhishekSay) November 5, 2023
According to a report published by Press Trust of India (PTI), the police officials had claimed that in relation to Rashmika’s deepfake video case, they have interrogated a potential suspect who is a 19-year-old youth from Bihar.
The Authorities are of the opinion that it was the boy who created the Deepfake video of the actress and made it viral by posting it on his Social media account.
From there, the objectionable clip, which featured the actress’s face attached to the body of a British Indian woman, was shared several times on various social media platforms and the same subsequently made it viral.
Accused denies allegations
As per a leading investigating officer, the Bihar youth was served a legal notice to participate in the interrogation after authorities allegedly found out that he uploaded the Deepfake video on the internet.
In relation to the same case, an FIR was also lodged in Delhi Police’s cyber cell’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Unit (IFSCO). Following that, the teenager was ordered to physically appear in front of the Unit.
He was also asked to bring his mobile phone which was Allegedly used for uploading the deepfake video on Social Media.
However, during the course of interrogation, the accused Denied uploading Rashmika’s morphed video and claimed that he downloaded it from some other Instagram account.
The case deals with a number of serious offenses including forgery for the purpose of causing damage to reputation, misuse of electronic signature, and transmitting private image of someone without their consent, which are punishable under sections 465 and 469 of the Indian Penal Code and 66C & E of the Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act).
It is important to note here that the 19-year-old suspect has only been interrogated by the authorities and his arrest has not been made so far.