Three men arrested for allegedly creating and circulating AI-generated bikini photographs and videos falsely depicting actor Rukmini Vasanth have told investigators they engaged in the activity for "sadistic pleasure", according to police. 

The accused, all of whom are said to be highly educated professionals, were arrested following an investigation by Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police into the circulation of deepfake content targeting the actor. Authorities said the suspects used artificial intelligence tools to manipulate images and superimpose Vasanth's face onto other bodies before sharing the fabricated material online.

The three men have been remanded to judicial custody while the investigation continues.

Educated professionals among those arrested

Police identified the accused as Ravikumar from Bagalkot, Chandrakanth from Thirthahalli and Ranjith Kumar from Bengaluru.

Investigators seized three premium smartphones allegedly used to create and distribute the fake images and videos.

According to police, Ravikumar, 25, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and recently launched a YouTube channel that had begun generating revenue. Investigators believe he uploaded manipulated videos of actresses in an attempt to attract viewers and increase earnings from the platform.

Ranjith Kumar, also 25, works in the software sector and reportedly earns an annual salary of around Rs 20 lakh. Police said he possessed advanced technical expertise and allegedly admitted to producing deepfake videos of actresses and posting them online for amusement and sadistic gratification.

The third accused, Chandrakanth, 33, is a Chartered Accountant employed by a reputed company. Investigators said he too allegedly confessed to uploading obscene, AI-generated content featuring actresses for similar reasons.

Investigation traced suspects through digital footprints

The case began after Vasanth lodged a complaint with Karnataka's Cyber Command regarding the circulation of fabricated images and videos attributed to her.

Police said the social media profiles identified in the complaint were found to be fake. Investigators subsequently sought information from Meta, including account-linked URL identifiers, addresses and other registration details.

Authorities discovered that the addresses provided during account registration were false. The suspects were eventually tracked through digital identifiers associated with the accounts.

During questioning, police said the accused admitted using AI-based tools to alter photographs and create the fabricated content.

FIR registered against 29 social media accounts

The Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police had earlier registered a First Information Report against 29 social media accounts allegedly involved in distributing the manipulated visuals.

Those accounts include nine Instagram profiles, 14 X accounts and six Facebook pages.

Police registered cases under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, along with Sections 75(3), 79, 336, 356, 351, 352 and 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Authorities said legal proceedings were initiated against individuals accused of creating and disseminating the fabricated visuals through AI and deepfake technology.

Actress says fake content damaged her reputation

In her complaint, Vasanth alleged that her face had been digitally superimposed onto another person's body using AI-generated technology to create misleading images and videos.

She stated that the circulation of the fabricated content had caused significant humiliation and was intended to damage her reputation and character.

After the manipulated visuals gained traction online, the actor publicly clarified that the material was not authentic and urged people to use AI responsibly.

Taking to X, she wrote: "My team and I have come across certain AI-generated images being circulated online claiming to be me. 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," she added.

She also confirmed that legal and cybercrime proceedings had been initiated against those responsible.

Call for responsible use of AI

Speaking at a private event in Bengaluru, Vasanth said she had already approached cybercrime authorities and expressed confidence that action would be taken against those involved.

"AI should be used for good purposes and not for harmful activities. Not just actresses, but many other women are also facing problems because of this. I believe the police will take action in this matter," she said.

The actor also appealed to the public not to share fabricated content online, warning that its circulation contributes to further harm.

Rukmini Vasanth is the daughter of the late Indian Army officer Colonel Vasanth Venugopal and renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Subhashini Vasanth.

Colonel Vasanth was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime military honour, for his bravery while combating heavily armed militants in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 2007.

(IANS)