Rashmika Mandanna Deepfake Case: Investigation Officer Switched Amid Bribery Claim, Police Deny Link

The Delhi Police has replaced the investigating officer in the Rashmika Mandanna deepfake case following recent allegations that the initial probe team had demanded money from an accused's family.

The investigation initially led the police to Bihar, where a man was apprehended, and his device was confiscated by the cyber unit of the Special Cell, linked to the digitally altered video of the actress shared online.

Authorities claimed the accused utilized an Instagram reel and AI technology to craft the deepfake. Technical surveillance aided the police in identifying two individuals in Chhattisgarh connected to the case.

"Delhi Police decided to record their statements and dispatched a team to Chhattisgarh, serving them a notice under CrPC section 41. They collaborated with the Chhattisgarh Police, seeking their assistance in gaining custody of the pair," revealed a source.

In early December, a Delhi Police team led by an inspector contacted their counterparts in Chhattisgarh. "They located both individuals in their village. However, following a complaint from their families alleging bribery demands of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, the state police intervened," the source elaborated.

A Chhattisgarh police officer confirmed, "Although it was an oral complaint, we must verify its credibility. Nevertheless, it was decided not to hand over the suspects to Delhi Police. Instead, we requested their return without the accused, assuring their cooperation."

"Subsequently, the accused were escorted to Delhi by local police personnel for their statements to be recorded," the officer added.

Dr. Hemant Tiwari, DCP of the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations unit, refuted the bribery allegations, stating, "No such issue was raised by Sukma police, the suspects, or their families. We have received no information regarding any bribery."

Meanwhile, inquiries revealed that the two men, tracked via Meta-provided information, had uploaded but not created the video, according to an official.