TAMIL NADU, (India): Facebook page carrying the name of Tamil Nadu TVK leader Vijay Thalapathi allegedly promised people houses, bikes and financial help. The catch, according to Chennai Police, was that none of these promises came from the actor-turned-politician.
The Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court has granted Chennai Police two-day transit remand of Neeraj, who was arrested from Burari for allegedly creating and circulating AI-generated and digitally manipulated videos and images of Vijay.
The case was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Chennai after police alleged that social media accounts were being used to make false claims in Vijay’s name and mislead the public.
Facebook page allegedly used Vijay’s identity
According to the police, a Facebook page called “Vijay Thalapathi Help” was created on August 20. The page had around 90 followers and was following 167 pages.
Police said the page carried photographs of Vijay and the ruling party. Its description allegedly claimed that Vijay would help people across India after becoming Chief Minister.
A mobile number was also listed on the profile. Investigators said the number was registered in the name of accused Neeraj.
The page allegedly carried reels and photographs showing Vijay taking part in a “Crorepati” programme. The content also portrayed him as making announcements about financial benefits for members of the public.
AI images allegedly promised houses and bikes
Police told the court that the page also circulated AI-generated images showing Vijay apparently offering free houses, bikes and other benefits.
According to the investigating team, the manipulated material could create the impression that the announcements were genuine and officially backed by Vijay.
The police said cyber experts examined several Facebook pages carrying content related to Vijay during the investigation.
Chennai Police alleges organised cyber conspiracy
The case was registered on Sept 5 at the Cyber Crime Police Station, West Zone, Anna Nagar, Chennai.
The investigating officer told the court that the social media handles were allegedly being used to create and circulate AI-generated, digitally manipulated and fabricated videos and images portraying Vijay as making statements, announcements and promises about various benefits.
Police alleged that the activity was intended to mislead people, damage Vijay’s reputation, create false digital records and potentially induce members of the public to become victims of fraud.
The investigating officer further told the court that the accounts appeared to be operated from different states.
Police described the activity as prima facie showing signs of a deliberate and organised criminal conspiracy involving impersonation, misuse of identity, forgery, fabrication of digital records and circulation of manipulated material.
Court orders Neeraj’s transfer to Chennai
The investigating officer, through Additional Public Prosecutor Aman Gaurav, sought police custody of Neeraj so that he could be taken before the competent court in Chennai.
After hearing the submissions, Duty Judicial Magistrate First Class Preeti Rajoria granted two-day transit remand on Sept 11.
The order allows authorised Greater Chennai Police officials to take Neeraj from Delhi to the jurisdiction of the Magistrate in Greater Chennai, with proper escort and security arrangements.
The court directed that he be produced before the jurisdictional Magistrate at Saidapet, Greater Chennai, without unnecessary delay and no later than September 13, 2026.
Police flags possible fraud and public deception
The investigating officer said the alleged unauthorised use of Vijay’s name, image, voice and identity appeared to have been aimed at more than just financial fraud.
According to police, the material could also be used to defame or discredit the political leader.
The officer highlighted the scale and systematic circulation of the alleged fabricated content, saying it indicated a coordinated cyber-enabled conspiracy.
Police told the court that such activity could potentially result in public deception, financial losses and reputational damage, while also having wider implications for public order and the internal security of the state. - The Statesman/ANN
[With input from ANI]
