Mirza Rahmath Baig, the expelled All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Member of the Legislative Council, has reportedly gone missing after returning to Hyderabad on Saturday, August 29. The development has added another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the MLC, who faces serious allegations and was recently expelled from his party. Baig had returned to the city after completing an Umrah pilgrimage, but his whereabouts remain unknown since his arrival.
The controversy began when social media allegations surfaced claiming that Baig had sexually assaulted a minor girl. The MLC has strongly denied these accusations, describing them as completely false. In his first public remarks following his expulsion, Baig alleged that deepfake videos were being circulated to damage his reputation. He maintained that he has not done anything wrong and claimed that fake videos created using deepfake technology were being used to defame him with malicious intent.
AIMIM expelled Rahmath Baig from the party with immediate effect on August 29 and directed him to resign from his Telangana Legislative Council post. Party joint secretary SA Hussain Anwar issued a brief statement instructing Baig to immediately submit his resignation to the Chairman of the Legislative Council. However, the expelled MLC has refused to comply with this directive, stating that he wants to continue working as a party worker and expressed hope that AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi would ensure justice for him.
Before his disappearance, Baig had approached the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police to file a complaint. According to reports, he alleged that unidentified persons were threatening and blackmailing him, demanding money in exchange for not releasing deepfake and morphed photographs and videos. The MLC clarified that he had not been absconding and was away on an Umrah pilgrimage when the allegations first surfaced. His return to Hyderabad on Saturday was followed by his reported disappearance, raising questions about his current location.
The allegations have triggered a significant political controversy in Telangana. Both the BJP and BRS have demanded a comprehensive investigation into the matter. BJP state chief spokesperson NV Subash said that AIMIM’s action against Baig for indiscipline was insufficient and that a transparent investigation into the allegations was still required. He also urged the Telangana government to make the facts public and ensure that the investigation is not influenced by political considerations.
The case has brought attention to the growing concern over deepfake technology being used for blackmail and defamation. Baig has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the controversy, insisting that the allegations are fabricated and that manipulated content is being used against him. The party statement regarding his expulsion did not provide specific details about the reason for the disciplinary action, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances leading to his removal from AIMIM.
