On Saturday, the Delhi Police made a significant breakthrough by apprehending the primary suspect involved in the creation and dissemination of a deepfake video featuring renowned actress Rashmika Mandanna in Andhra Pradesh. The disturbing video, which surfaced on social media in November 2023, prompted widespread public concern and initiated legal action.

The deepfake video, manipulating the likeness of British-Indian influencer Zara Patel onto Rashmika Mandanna's body, quickly went viral, causing the actress to express deep distress over the malicious use of technology. Responding promptly, the Delhi Police launched a thorough investigation that culminated in the apprehension of the alleged perpetrator.

The charges against the accused span various sections of the Indian Penal Code, encompassing forgery and harming reputation. Additionally, relevant sections of the Information Technology Act have been invoked to address issues of identity theft and privacy violations. Rashmika Mandanna, acclaimed for her roles in films like Pushpa, Mission Majnu, and the eagerly anticipated Animal, conveyed her profound concern about the unauthorized dissemination of the deepfake video. In a social media post, she candidly addressed the emotional toll the incident took on her.

The incident prompted the government to issue a stern reminder to social media platforms, emphasizing the legal provisions governing such deepfakes and the associated penalties. Deepfake technology, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), enables the seamless integration of one person's likeness with another's, raising ethical and legal concerns.

In a parallel incident, a deepfake video featuring cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar emerged this week, falsely depicting him endorsing an online game and falsely highlighting his daughter Sara's supposed earnings. Responding swiftly, the Mumbai Police registered a case against an unidentified individual linked to the video.

The arrest of the accused in the Rashmika Mandanna deepfake video case underscores law enforcement's dedication to combating digital forgery and safeguarding individuals from the malicious misuse of technology. It serves as a crucial reminder of the legal consequences associated with such deceptive practices in the digital realm.