Six arrested for creating fake AI videos to blackmail MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig

Hyderabad: Member of Legislative Council, Mirza Rahmath Baig on Saturday appeared before the media for the first time since the controversy erupted over alleged AI-generated videos targeting him, claiming that six persons had been arrested for creating manipulated videos and attempting to blackmail him.

Baig said he had approached the police after some individuals allegedly created AI-generated videos of him and tried to blackmail him and six persons were arrested and sent to judicial custody. Further investigation was under way to identify others allegedly involved in the conspiracy, he said.

He alleged that Salman and his team, Mohsin and some women were also involved in attempts to malign his reputation through fabricated videos. He said complaints had already been made against them and urged the police to take appropriate action. Appealing to the public not to believe or circulate such videos, Baig said people should refrain from supporting those attempting to defame others through manipulated digital content.

He further alleged that a similar conspiracy was being hatched against an MLA by creating and circulating fabricated audio clips. He said the truth behind the audio clips would emerge soon.

Referring to his political position, Baig said his purpose in coming before the public was to make the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) expel him. He maintained that he had fought the issue alone by taking the help of the police and seeking recourse to the law.

The AIMIM party had expelled Baig, last month after some videos allegedly showing him indulging in wrongdoing were circulated on social media platforms. The party had asked him to resign from the MLC post as well. However Baig so far did not tender his resignation.