Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan for allegedly sharing a digitally manipulated video of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, falsely portraying him as criticising India over its domestic affairs and purchases of Russian oil. The FIR was registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell on November 3, following a cyber-patrolling exercise.
The development came after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Russian Embassy rejected the video’s authenticity. Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, citing concerns that the content could spread misinformation, rumours and public unrest. The investigation is underway.
How The Controversy Came To Light
The controversy began after Bhushan shared a video on his X account, @pbhushan1, purportedly showing Lavrov making critical remarks about India’s foreign policy, its internal affairs and its purchase of Russian oil. Accompanying the video, Bhushan reportedly wrote: “A tight slap by the Russian Foreign Minister on India. What kind of advice was Jaishankar giving to India.”
The clip created the impression that Lavrov had questioned India’s position on international affairs and suggested that India’s commercial relationship with Russia did not give it the right to comment on Moscow’s foreign policy. However, the MEA’s official Fact Check account intervened on November 3, rejecting the video’s authenticity. It issued a warning on X, stating: “Fake Alert!!! The video of the Russian Foreign Minister being used in this post is fake!” The Russian Embassy in India also dismissed the purported remarks, urging social media users to stop circulating fabricated AI-generated content.
What The Investigation Covers
The FIR has been registered as Case No. 263/26 at the Special Cell police station. Delhi Police has invoked the following provisions:
- Section 336(4), BNS: Relates to forgery involving electronic records.
- Section 353(1)(c), BNS: Concerns statements that may cause public mischief.
- Section 356, BNS: Deals with defamation.
- Section 340(2), BNS: Concerns using forged documents or electronic records as genuine.
- Section 66C, Information Technology Act: Deals with identity theft through the dishonest use of another person’s electronic identification details.
According to the police, the video allegedly contained misleading, defamatory and inflammatory material that could spread rumours and disturb public order. The investigation is examining the content and its circulation on social media.
Independent fact-checking organisation BOOM also examined the footage and established that the remarks attributed to Lavrov were fabricated. Its investigation traced the original footage to a press conference held after the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on October 30, 2026. The original recording contained no such criticism of India. The controversy emerged shortly after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Lavrov in Atlanta on October 31. Jaishankar had confirmed that their discussions covered the Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Gulf and wider multilateral issues.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The circulation of manipulated videos involving public officials raises serious concerns about the growing impact of artificial intelligence-generated misinformation. In an increasingly connected society, fabricated content can damage reputations, deepen public mistrust and create unnecessary tensions between countries. At the same time, allegations must be investigated through due legal process, with every individual entitled to a fair opportunity to present their position.
Public figures, journalists, activists and ordinary social media users have a responsibility to verify information before sharing it, particularly when it concerns international relations or sensitive public matters. Technology should strengthen informed conversations rather than manufacture hostility. Encouraging digital literacy, responsible sharing and constructive dialogue is essential to protecting public trust and peaceful coexistence. How can social media platforms and users work together to prevent AI-generated misinformation from influencing public opinion and international relations?
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