The Maharashtra police’s cyber cell has filed an FIR against an X user (formerly Twitter) for allegedly uploading a ‘deepfake’ or manipulated video featuring actor Ranveer Singh, wherein he appeared to be making a political appeal to vote for the Congress, an official disclosed.
Deepfake videos are those that have been convincingly altered to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said.
The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged based on a complaint filed by the actor’s father, Jugjeet Singh Bhavnani, against the user @sujataindia1st, the official confirmed.
According to the complaint, Ranveer Singh had given an interview to the media during his visit to Varanasi to promote a fashion show, wherein he had praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The actor’s statement, as per the FIR, was, “it is Modi ji’s purpose and goal to celebrate our rich culture, heritage, history, and legacy because we are moving ahead towards modernity very fast but we should never forget our roots, our cultural heritage.”
However, the FIR states that the user @sujataindia1st created a deepfake video wherein the actor is heard saying, “it is Modi ji’s purpose and goal to celebrate our painful life, fear, and unemployment because we are moving ahead towards injustice but we should never stop asking for our development and justice, vote for justice, vote for Congress.”
The actor’s father asserted in the complaint that the actor never made such statements, and he does not have any affiliation with any political party. The FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 417 (cheating), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), and 469 (forgery for the purpose of harming reputation), along with provisions of the Information Technology Act, the official informed.
Further investigation into the matter is ongoing, stated the police.
Recently, the city police also registered an FIR against an unidentified individual in connection with a similar deepfake video featuring Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, where he was purportedly seen endorsing a political party.
The Delhi High Court on Monday expressed concern over a fund dispute between 2 wings…
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management to review its…
The Supreme Court on Monday ordered a Special Investigation Team to probe allegations of torture…
Violence erupted in Sambhal, UP, following a controversial survey at a Mughal-era mosque, leading to…
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed pleas seeking the removal of the terms 'socialist' and…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Constitution Day celebration at the Supreme Court complex…