Actor Prakash Raj lodges complaint on use of fake photo at Kumbh Mela on social media

The actor said his decision to lodge a complaint was not just his fight but for all people who are disturbed by the menace of fake news.

Actor Prakash Raj has lodged a police complaint against Prashanth Sambargi for allegedly sharing a fake photo of him taking a dip in the Sangam at the ongoing Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with a caption aimed at damaging his reputation.

Based on the complaint, the Lakshmipuram police station has registered an FIR under Section 336 (4) of BNS 2023 that deals with forgery with the intent to cause reputational damage.

Speaking to reporters outside the police station on February 1, Mr Prakash Raj said an AI generated picture has been used as part of efforts to spread fake news about him through social media.

Pointing out that the Maha Kumbh mela is a holy place for believers, Mr Raj lashed out at the efforts of some to misuse people’s belief for their political purposes and project him in poor light.

The actor said his decision to lodge a complaint was not just his fight but for all people who are disturbed by the menace of fake news. “People want a law against fake news and want confidence that there is somebody to question the menace,” said Mr Raj seeking to make an example of his legal recourse.

He had spoken to Mysuru city Police Commissioner Seema Latkar about it and had come down to personally sign the complaint at the police station.