DELHI ASSEMBLY POLL: FIR against AAP leaders over doctored videos of Modi, Shah

The Delhi Police have booked Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders for allegedly posting AI-generated photos and videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on their official X handle.

According to a senior police officer, they had received a complaint regarding some objectionable photos and videos of the PM and the Home Minister on the X handle of AAP. The alleged videos were posted by AAP on January 10 and 13. One of the videos made by using AI-deepfake technology showed a scene from a 90s Bollywood flick where the faces of villains were swapped with BJP leaders and audio changed to conversation on the Delhi polls.

Notably, since the beginning of the elections, an AI-war of deepfake videos has broken out between AAP and the BJP. The officer said after analysing the complaint, an FIR was lodged under relevant sections of the BNS at the North Avenue police station and an investigation had been initiated.

The second FIR pertains to an alleged violation of the model code of conduct by Chief Minister Atishi following which a case was registered at the Govindpuri police station against PWD Executive Engineer Sanjay Kumar.

As per model code of conduct, there is a “total and absolute” ban on use of official vehicles for campaigning or any election related travel during the poll period. A complaint was received on January 8 with allegations against Atishi over violating the MCC and using government vehicles for political purposes. The returning officer took cognisance of the complaint and directed ACP Kalkaji to register an FIR in the matter. The FIR only mentions the Executive Engineer, whose vehicle was used for the “political purpose”. Meanwhile, former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal sharply reacted over the development and called the action as a part of “rotten system”.

“Their leaders openly distribute money, sarees, blankets, gold chains, etc., get fake votes made, yet not even an FIR is registered. But an FIR is immediately registered against Chief Minister Atishi,” he said.