The controversy surrounding a spoof video depicting Mamata Banerjee took a legal turn as the Cyber Crime division of the Kolkata Police issued notices to two social media users for sharing the video. The video, initially posted on the X handle @SoldierSaffron7, portrayed an AI-generated version of the Chief Minister dancing on stage. The police deemed the video offensive, malicious, and inciting, prompting action against the users responsible for its dissemination.
One of the users, @Shalendervoice, promptly removed the post in response to the police notice, but the video remained accessible on the handle @SoldierSaffron7 at the time of reporting. The police's intervention extended to tagging additional social media handles that had shared the controversial video, signaling a broader crackdown on its circulation.
The notices issued by the Kolkata Police invoked Section 149 of the CrPC, citing concerns that the video could disrupt law and order. They demanded the deletion of the posts and warned of stringent legal repercussions if compliance was not met promptly.
The video itself, a spoof utilizing AI technology, repurposed footage of American rapper Lil Yachty's stage entrance, substituting his image with an animated depiction of Mamata Banerjee. This modification transformed the original content into a satirical portrayal of the West Bengal Chief Minister, sparking debate over its appropriateness and the ensuing police action.
In response to the notices, social media users expressed a range of opinions, with some questioning the necessity of police intervention for sharing a meme. Others criticized the perceived infringement on freedom of expression and the disproportionate nature of the police's response to a lighthearted spoof.
Amidst the controversy, concerns were raised about the implications of such actions on freedom of speech and the rights of individuals to express themselves online without fear of legal repercussions. The incident underscored the complexities surrounding the regulation of digital content and the balancing act between safeguarding public order and upholding fundamental rights in the digital age.
