Delhi Police announced a significant breakthrough on Saturday with the apprehension of the individual responsible for creating the deepfake video featuring actress Rashmika Mandanna. The accused, identified as 24-year-old Eemani Naveen from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, allegedly sought to enhance his Instagram following through this deceptive act.

The deepfake video, which gained widespread attention last November, triggered calls for increased regulation on social media platforms. In this manipulated footage, Rashmika's face was superimposed onto London-based influencer Zara Patel. The investigation into this case commenced in November 2023, addressing concerns about the misuse of technology and the need for legal safeguards against such harmful applications of artificial intelligence (AI).

Responding to the arrest, Rashmika expressed her gratitude on Instagram, thanking the Delhi Police for apprehending the responsible party. She emphasized the importance of consent in using one's image and encouraged others to speak up against such crimes. The Delhi Police, in turn, acknowledged Rashmika's appreciation and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace, service, and justice.

The accused, Naveen, disclosed during the investigation that he managed fan pages for three celebrities. To boost the followership of Rashmika's fan page, he crafted and shared the deepfake video on October 13, 2023.

The incident stirred public outcry, shedding light on the unchecked misuse of technology and the urgent need for legal safeguards. Another deepfake video featuring Alia Bhatt's morphed face circulated on social media shortly after, amplifying concerns about the ethical implications of such manipulative practices. In this second video, Alia Bhatt's face was digitally overlaid onto another individual, who could be seen sitting on a bed and making gestures toward the camera.

The arrest of Eemani Naveen signifies a crucial step in addressing the challenges posed by deepfake technology. The incident has sparked conversations about the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness regarding the responsible use of AI, ensuring the protection of individuals' privacy and preventing malicious activities in the digital space.