Two foreign nationals arrested in Bengaluru; CCB seizes drugs worth Rs 28.75 cr
Bengaluru (PTI): With the arrest of two foreign nationals, police on Wednesday said they have seized over 10 kg of MDMA crystal and eight kg of hydro ganja, with an estimated market value of around Rs 28.75 crore.
The arrests were made by the Bengaluru City Central Crime Branch (CCB) Narcotics Wing as part of ongoing operations against drug peddlers, officials said. The identities of the arrested foreign nationals have not been disclosed.
According to the statement, a foreign woman residing in Sampigehalli had been storing MDMA at her residence and selling it to known customers. During a recent raid, the woman was detained, and 9 kg 254 grams of MDMA crystal worth approximately Rs 18.50 crore, along with a mobile phone and other items used in the crime, were seized.
In a separate operation in Siddapura Police Station limits, police acted on information about a foreign national frequently loitering near the basketball court close to Lalbagh South Gate and allegedly involved in drug peddling.
A raid led to the arrest of the suspect, and 1 kg 115 grams of MDMA crystal worth around Rs 2.25 crore, along with items used in the crime, were seized.
Further, based on intelligence from Customs officials regarding prohibited narcotic substances found in parcels at the Foreign Post Office in Chamarajpet, police conducted an operation and seized eight kg of hydro ganja valued at around Rs eight crore.
Police said the accused had purchased the hydro ganja from foreign sources, packaged it systematically, and arranged for it to be brought to Bengaluru. Investigations are ongoing to trace others involved.
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Bill to regulate deepfakes tabled in Lok Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): A Private Member's Bill seeking a clear legal framework for regulation of deepfakes has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Regulation of Deepfake Bill, introduced by Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde in the House on Friday, aims to protect citizens by mandating prior consent from individuals depicted in deepfake content.
"Misuse of deepfakes for harassment, deception and misinformation has escalated, creating an urgent need for regulatory safeguards," Shinde said.
The Bill also lists penalties for offenders creating or disseminating deepfake content with malicious intent.
"With advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning, deepfake technology has emerged as a significant tool for media manipulation. While the technology has potential applications in education, entertainment and creative fields, it also poses severe risks when misused, threatening individual privacy, national security and public trust," Shinde said in the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill.
The proposed Bill seeks to establish a clear legal framework to govern the creation, distribution and application of deepfakes in India, said Shinde, a three-term Lok Sabha member from Kalyan.
The Bill also seeks to establish the Deepfake Task Force, a dedicated body to combat national security implications and evaluate the influence of deepfakes on privacy, civic participation, and potential election interference.
The task force will collaborate with academic and private sector institutions to develop technologies that detect manipulated content, thereby promoting credibility in digital media.
The Bill also proposes to establish a fund to support public and private sector initiatives in the detection and deterrence of advanced image manipulation.
A Private Member's Bill is a procedure of Parliament that enables lawmakers, who are not ministers, to draw attention to issues that might not be represented in Government Bills or to highlight the issues and gaps in the existing legal framework that require legislative intervention.
