A disturbing case of AI misuse involving actor Rukmini Vasanth has now moved into the legal arena, with cybercrime police registering an FIR following her complaint over viral deepfake bikini photos and videos.

The manipulated visuals, which spread rapidly across social media, falsely portrayed Rukmini wearing a bikini during what was claimed to be a film shoot. According to the actor, the images and videos were digitally fabricated using AI and deepfake technology, with her face allegedly superimposed onto another woman’s body.

Calling it an attack on her dignity and reputation, Rukmini alleged in her complaint that the fake content amounted to “character assassination.”

Based on her complaint, the Cyber Crime Police have registered a case under provisions of the IT Act and relevant sections of the BNS and have begun an investigation.

The actor had reportedly named 29 social media accounts accused of circulating the manipulated content, including nine Instagram accounts, 14 X handles and six Facebook profiles, seeking action against those responsible.

The visuals had triggered widespread chatter online, with edited clips showing the actor entering a swimming pool in a bikini being falsely linked to a film shoot. As the content gained traction, Rukmini publicly confirmed that she had approached cyber authorities.

She also used the incident to raise a larger concern about AI misuse. While acknowledging the power of technology, the actor stressed that AI should be used responsibly and not as a tool to harass or target women, whether celebrities or ordinary social media users.