Kerala deepfake video targeting PM Modi: BJP files police complaint
Synopsis
A Facebook account allegedly used AI to fabricate a G7 summit video insulting PM Modi — and now Kerala BJP has taken the fight to the State Police Chief, demanding an FIR under the IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. With no dedicated deepfake law in India, how police respond could set a significant legal precedent.
Key Takeaways
Kerala BJP State Social Media Convener Abhijith Radhakrishnan Nair filed a complaint with the State Police Chief on 22 June over an alleged deepfake video targeting PM Narendra Modi .
A Facebook account under the name Kaippadi Ansari is accused of circulating the video, which allegedly manipulated visuals from the G7 summit .
The BJP has sought an FIR and action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act .
The complaint also demands immediate removal of the video from all social media platforms.
India currently has no dedicated deepfake legislation; the case may test existing statutory provisions.
A controversy over the alleged use of artificial intelligence to fabricate a video targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the Kerala police, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding immediate legal action and a thorough investigation into those behind the content's circulation on social media.
The Complaint
Kerala BJP State Social Media Convener Abhijith Radhakrishnan Nair submitted a formal complaint to the State Police Chief on 22 June, seeking registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and strict action against those allegedly responsible for creating and distributing the video. The complaint also included copies of the alleged deepfake video and supporting digital evidence.
According to the complaint, a Facebook account operating under the name Kaippadi Ansari circulated the video, which reportedly manipulated original visuals connected to the G7 summit. AI technology was allegedly used to depict world leaders in a manner insulting to the Prime Minister, with offensive remarks inserted before the content was shared widely online.
What the BJP Said
The BJP argued that such deepfake campaigns go beyond the bounds of political criticism, constituting the deliberate creation of false content designed to mislead the public and erode trust in constitutional institutions.
'Artificial intelligence cannot be allowed to become a tool for spreading lies and attacking constitutional positions,' Abhijith Radhakrishnan Nair said, describing the incident as a serious threat to democratic discourse.
The party called for the immediate removal of the video from all social media platforms and urged authorities to identify and punish those responsible, so as to deter similar incidents in the future. The Kerala BJP also stated it would fully cooperate with any investigation.
Legal Provisions Sought
The complaint sought action under applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. These laws together cover offences related to defamation, the spread of false information, and the misuse of digital platforms — all of which the BJP contends are relevant to this case.
Broader Context
This complaint comes amid growing national concern over the misuse of AI-generated content to manufacture misleading visuals and videos. Political parties across India have raised alarms over deepfakes being deployed to manipulate public opinion and spread misinformation ahead of electoral cycles.
Notably, this is not the first time a deepfake video involving senior political figures has triggered a formal police complaint in India. Regulatory and legal frameworks around AI-generated content remain a work in progress, with no dedicated deepfake law yet enacted at the national level. The outcome of this complaint could set a precedent for how such cases are handled under existing statutes.
Authorities are yet to respond publicly to the complaint, and it remains to be seen whether an FIR will be registered.
Point of View
Leaving police to work with statutes written for a pre-generative-AI era. The BJP's move is as much political signalling as legal strategy — but the underlying concern is real. Deepfakes of sitting heads of government represent a qualitatively different threat to democratic discourse than ordinary misinformation, and the absence of a regulatory framework means each complaint becomes an improvised test case. Whether Kerala police register an FIR or not, this case will be watched closely by legal experts and platform policy teams alike.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deepfake video controversy in Kerala involving PM Modi?
A Facebook account allegedly used AI to create a fabricated video depicting world leaders at the G7 summit in a manner insulting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Kerala BJP has filed a formal complaint with the State Police Chief, seeking an FIR and removal of the video from social media platforms.
Who filed the complaint and against whom?
Kerala BJP State Social Media Convener Abhijith Radhakrishnan Nair filed the complaint. It names a Facebook account operating under the name Kaippadi Ansari as the alleged source of the deepfake video's circulation.
What laws has the BJP invoked in its complaint?
The complaint seeks action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act — provisions covering defamation, spread of false information, and digital platform misuse. India does not yet have a dedicated deepfake law.
Why does this case matter beyond Kerala?
It highlights the absence of specific legislation targeting AI-generated political misinformation in India. The outcome could set a precedent for how existing laws are applied to deepfake content involving public figures.
What has the Kerala BJP said about the incident?
The party said deepfake campaigns cannot be treated as ordinary political criticism, arguing they pose a serious threat to democratic discourse. It has pledged full cooperation with investigators and urged swift action to deter future incidents.
