Transperson’s brother booked for circulating ‘doctored’ video of Maharashtra minister

In Mumbai, police registered a case against a transperson’s brother for allegedly circulating an AI-doctored video of minister Narhari Zirwal. The accused reportedly attempted blackmail, prompting an investigation under IT and criminal laws

Mumbai: The Mumbai police have registered a case against the brother of a transperson in connection with the circulation of an alleged artificial intelligence-doctored video featuring Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Narhari Zirwal, an official said on Tuesday.

Zirwal landed in a controversy last week after an “objectionable” video of him surfaced on social media. The purported video showed the Minister of Food and Drug Administration in a compromising position with a transperson at his official residence.

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The transperson lodged a police complaint a couple of days ago, alleging that a few videos of her were recorded a few months ago, and these were doctored using artificial intelligence technology, the official said.

The transperson’s brother allegedly made the video viral as part of a blackmail attempt, he said, quoting the complaint, and added that the accused had also demanded money or a job in the minister’s department.

After the “doctored” video went viral on social media, the transperson approached the Cuffe Parade police station and lodged a complaint a couple of days ago.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, the official said, adding that further probe is underway.