20 June,2026 05:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rukmini Vasanth. Pic via Instagram
The Bengaluru police have allegedly arrested three accused for creating and circulating AI-generated images and videos of Kannada actor Rukmini Vasanth on social media. This comes after a deepfake video of the actress surfaced online in May 2026.
According to police officials, the accused reportedly used artificial intelligence tools to create morphed visuals of the Kantara: Chapter 1 actor. They then shared the video online with the intention of defaming the actress and damaging her reputation. Authorities have also reportedly seized three mobile phones during the operation and have also launched a detailed investigation into the case.
According to reports, the accused were later presented before a judicial magistrate and remanded to custody as the probe continues. Police have reportedly registered a case under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act as well as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Investigators are also reportedly examining if additional individuals were involved in the creation and circulation of the AI-generated content.
In May this year, Rukmini Vasanth condemned the AI-generated bikini pictures that went viral. She even issued a formal statement clarifying that the widely shared visuals were completely fabricated and had even warned that she would be pursuing legal action against those responsible.
An AI-deepfake video showed a professional photoshoot setup, wherein a woman, seemingly Rukmini, steps into a swimming pool wearing a green bikini. The clips quickly spread across social media, sparking discussion online and leading many users to believe that the footage was real.
Rukmini later filed a cybercrime complaint after the AI-generated bikini photos went viral online. She stated that the circulating visuals were fabricated and not real, and called for strict action against the misuse of technology. Following the complaint, Rukmini also said that such incidents do not affect only female actors, but many girls and women across the country, although she noted that AI also has many positives.
On the work front, the actor, who was last seen in Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1, is gearing up for her next release, Toxic, alongside Yash and Dragon co-starring Jr NTR.
