Over three months following the circulation of a deepfake video featuring Rashmika Mandanna, the Delhi Police apprehended a 24-year-old engineering graduate from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The individual is suspected of creating and disseminating the video on social media.

Manipulation of Fan Page for Fame

The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police, conducting the investigation, revealed that the accused managed a fan page dedicated to Rashmika Mandanna and two other South-based actors. While the other two fan pages boasted a substantial following, Mandanna’s page had only 90,000 followers. In an attempt to boost the page’s popularity, the suspect crafted the deepfake video.

Hemant Tiwari, DCP IFSO/Special Cell, Delhi Police, stated, “Due to this video, the following on his page increased to more than a lakh in two weeks.” The accused, alarmed by the video’s widespread attention and criticism from celebrities, deleted the post and altered the fan page’s name. Tiwari emphasized the arrest as a significant step in combatting deepfake cybercrime and preventing attempts to defame celebrities.

Legal Perspectives on Deepfakes

Ameet Naik, a prominent lawyer who has represented celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor in cases related to personality rights, discussed the legal implications of deepfakes. He highlighted that celebrities are increasingly concerned about such manipulations and often seek legal advice. Legal recourse, Naik noted, involves both civil and criminal law avenues, with celebrities having the option to file cyber complaints or civil suits seeking injunctive relief and damages.

Rashmika Mandanna’s Gratitude

In response to the arrest, Rashmika Mandanna expressed her gratitude to the Delhi Police, stating, “Feeling truly grateful for the community that embraces me with love, support, and shields me.”

FIR Registration and Ongoing Investigation

On November 10, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against unidentified individuals under sections 465 and 469 of the IPC, and 66C and 66E of the IT Act. The FIR was filed at the IFSO unit of the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, which subsequently reached out to Meta for obtaining the URL and other details necessary for identifying the accused.