Mumbai: One of the accused, Varad Tukaram Kanki, a resident of Worli, Mumbai, has been questioned regarding his involvement in circulating the controversial video. His mobile device was seized, and an initial examination confirmed the presence of the manipulated video. Investigators have traced the video’s origin to a WhatsApp group where Kanki received it.
Further inquiries revealed that Padmakar Ambolkar, another Worli resident, was the first to share the video in the group. Ambolkar has been summoned for questioning to determine the source of the video and the extent of its dissemination.
The Maharashtra State Cyber Department, under the Office of the Special Inspector General of Police, is intensifying efforts to maintain a secure digital space and uphold public order. As the state’s nodal agency for cybercrime and cybersecurity, the department actively monitors social media for content that may incite unrest or disrupt law and order.
In a significant development, an FIR was registered under Sections 353(1)(B), 356(2), 192, 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. The case pertains to 12 social media users accused of sharing a manipulated video targeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department is actively working to identify the remaining accused and scrutinise their social media activity. Those found responsible for propagating this misleading and defamatory content will be summoned and held accountable.
The department reiterates its commitment to uncovering the identities behind these acts and ensuring that justice is served. It also emphasizes the importance of responsible digital behavior, warning against the misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation or inflammatory content. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
