The dangerous misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has once again hit the Indian film industry. The Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police on Tuesday registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 29 social media accounts for creating and spreading fake, deepfake bikini videos and photographs of popular actress Rukmini Vasanth.
The actress, who won widespread national praise and attention for her stellar performance in the highly successful film Kantara: Chapter 1 (frequently referred to as Kantara Chapter-2 by fans), became the latest high-profile victim of identity manipulation online.
Stringent Action Against Cyber Miscreants
Following a formal complaint filed by Rukmini Vasanth, the cybercrime cell launched an intense investigation, targeting a network of bad actors across multiple internet spaces. Out of the 29 flagged accounts, the police are taking strict action against 14 accounts on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), 9 accounts on Instagram, and 6 pages on Facebook.
The police have registered a comprehensive case under severe sections of the law. This includes Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which handle identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources. Additionally, multiple strict sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—including Sections 75(3), 79, 336, 351, 352, 356, and 294—have been invoked to address defamation, outraging modesty, and public obscenity.
A Deliberate Attack on Reputation
In her statement to the authorities, the actress explained that the viral visuals were completely fake. Rogue creators used advanced deepfake software to superimpose her face onto someone else’s body. She shared that the circulation of these graphic, fabricated materials caused her immense mental agony and embarrassment, calling it a deliberate and malicious attempt to destroy her character and public reputation.
Taking to her official Instagram account, Rukmini strongly warned her followers and the general public against interacting with the viral files.
“My team and I have come across certain AI-generated images being circulated online claiming to be me,” she wrote. “I want to state clearly that these images are entirely fake and fabricated. The creation and circulation of such manipulated content is deeply irresponsible and a serious violation of privacy.”
A Strong Voice for Digital Safety
Speaking to media representatives at a private event in Bengaluru, Rukmini expressed her firm confidence in the cyber police’s ability to track down the culprits. She extended the conversation beyond just celebrities, pointing out how this technology is becoming a weapon to harass everyday women. “AI should be used for good purposes and not for harmful activities,” she noted bravely. “Not just actresses, but many other women are also facing problems because of this.”
Rukmini Vasanth comes from a family deeply rooted in national service and culture. She is the daughter of the late Indian Army officer Colonel Vasanth Venugopal and acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer Subhashini Vasanth. Colonel Vasanth was posthumously honored with the Ashoka Chakra—India’s highest peacetime military decoration—for his legendary bravery and sacrifice while battling armed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri sector in 2007. Carrying forward that same resilient spirit, the actress has refused to stay silent, setting a strong example for digital safety and privacy rights across the country.
