Delhi Police Files FIR Against Lawyer Prashant Bhushan Over Manipulated Video

Delhi Police registered a first information report against senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan for sharing a digitally altered video of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The fake clip showed the Russian minister making critical remarks about India regarding its internal affairs and oil purchases.

Investigation and Charges

The case was filed at the Special Cell Police Station following routine cyber patrolling on November 3. Police noticed a social media post from the handle @thequotesnews that pointed out the doctored video on Bhushan's X handle. Authorities stated that the clip carried inflammatory content capable of spreading rumours and disturbing public order. The FIR includes charges for forgery, public mischief, defamation, and identity theft under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

Context

This legal action follows a factual clarification issued earlier by the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the fabricated footage. Law enforcement agencies routinely monitor social media platforms to curb the online spread of manipulated media that target foreign relations.