Bengaluru| In a significant action against the misuse of artificial intelligence for creating and distributing objectionable content, Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police have arrested three individuals following a complaint filed by actor Rukmini Vasanth. The case relates to the alleged circulation of AI-generated morphed images and videos that were purportedly designed to portray the actor in a derogatory manner on social media platforms.
According to investigators, the complaint was lodged after objectionable content allegedly created using artificial intelligence tools began circulating online. The actor claimed that the manipulated images and videos not only harmed her public image but also constituted a serious violation of privacy. The complaint further alleged that the content caused mental distress and misrepresented her before the public by presenting fabricated material as genuine.
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Following the registration of a criminal case under provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), authorities launched a detailed cyber investigation. A dedicated team was formed to trace the individuals responsible for creating, uploading and circulating the manipulated content across digital platforms.
Investigators said extensive technical analysis, digital tracking and examination of online activity were carried out to identify the suspects. During the course of the probe, police allegedly traced the circulation chain and located three individuals believed to be connected with the creation and dissemination of the content.
The arrested accused have been identified as Ravikumar, 24, a resident of Bagalkot district; Chandrakanth, 33, currently residing in Bengaluru and originally from Shivamogga district; and Ranjith, 25, a resident of Bengaluru. Authorities stated that all three were taken into custody after evidence allegedly linked them to the circulation of the manipulated material.
Police officials said three mobile phones suspected to have been used in the commission of the offence were seized during the operation. The devices are being subjected to forensic examination to determine the extent of involvement of the accused and to identify whether additional individuals may have participated in creating or sharing the content.
Investigators are also examining whether the objectionable material was generated using publicly available AI tools or through more sophisticated software capable of producing highly realistic synthetic media. Cyber experts note that advances in generative artificial intelligence have made it increasingly easy to create convincing images, videos and audio clips that can be difficult for ordinary users to distinguish from authentic content.
The case has once again highlighted growing concerns about the misuse of AI technology for harassment, impersonation and reputational attacks. Law enforcement agencies across India have reported a rise in complaints involving deepfakes, manipulated videos and fabricated photographs targeting public figures as well as private citizens.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said the incident reflects the evolving nature of cyber offences in the era of artificial intelligence. According to him, AI-powered image and video manipulation tools are increasingly being exploited to damage reputations, spread misinformation and harass individuals online. He emphasized that creating, sharing or forwarding such content can attract serious legal consequences and urged social media users to verify material before circulating it.
Cyber security professionals believe that awareness and prompt reporting remain critical in tackling AI-enabled abuse. They advise individuals to immediately document suspicious content, report it to platform operators and approach cyber crime authorities if manipulated media is being used to defame, threaten or harass them.
Police have produced the accused before a court and further investigation is underway. Authorities are now examining digital evidence recovered from the seized devices and tracing additional online accounts linked to the case. Investigators are also working to determine the full scale of distribution and whether more people were involved in the alleged operation.
The case is being viewed as an important example of the challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies and the growing need for stronger safeguards against their misuse in the digital ecosystem.
