Bengaluru Police Act Against Deepfake Video Targeting Karnataka Leaders
The Bengaluru police have initiated a formal investigation after registering a case concerning a fabricated, AI-generated video that falsely depicts a physical altercation between two of Karnataka's top political leaders. The case was filed on Friday, targeting the creator and disseminator of the controversial clip.
Details of the Complaint and the Fake Video
According to the official police report, the incident came to light when an advocate, Deepu C R, encountered the video on the social media platform Instagram. He was browsing on his mobile phone while at the Sadashivanagar residence of the Deputy Chief Minister. The video was posted by an account using the name Kannada Chitraranga.
The manipulated footage dishonestly portrayed Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar pushing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The post accompanying the clip included a caption that stated, "DKS should not have done this," thereby presenting the fictional event as fact. The complaint further alleged that this AI-generated video was not only shared widely on social media but was also shown on certain Kannada news channels, amplifying its reach and potential for harm.
Legal Charges and Political Implications
The Sadashivanagar police have registered the First Information Report (FIR) under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, namely sections 192, 336 (4), and 353 (2). These sections pertain to charges of provocation to cause a riot, forgery, and public mischief. The police are actively working to uncover the identity of the individuals behind the Instagram account named in the FIR.
The police complaint explicitly states that the video was created with the intention of damaging the public image of both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. It was also aimed at spreading false information to damage their dignity and embarrass the state government. Authorities have highlighted that the video had the potential to create significant unrest in society.
This controversy erupts against the backdrop of ongoing political speculation in Karnataka. With the Congress government approaching the halfway mark of its tenure on November 20, there is visible tension regarding the chief minister's post. While Siddaramaiah has hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar, who is widely seen as keen on assuming the top role, has indicated that no changes are imminent. Supporters of Siddaramaiah have asserted that he will complete a full term as chief minister, remaining in power until 2028.
