SIT to probe Kafir screenshot row

Thiruvananthapuram: State police constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate cases related to the controversial ‘kafir’ screenshot row that surfaced during 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign in Vadakara.

State police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar on Wednesday issued orders forming the SIT, citing the gravity and sensitivity of the cases. The team will be headed by Kozhikode rural district police chief, while DSP T Manoharan of district crime branch has been appointed chief investigating officer. He will be assisted by officers from Vadakara police station, district crime branch and cyber cell.

According to the order, DIG of Kannur range will supervise the probe and will have the authority to co-opt additional officers into the SIT, if required. SIT was also directed to submit fortnightly progress reports to the police headquarters.

The investigation relates to two cases registered at Vadakara police station. One case concerns the circulation of messages against an LDF candidate through social media with the alleged intention of creating communal polarisation. The second case pertains to the creation and circulation of fake messages in the name of a complainant, allegedly aimed at causing social unrest and disturbing public peace.

The controversy centres on a doctored screenshot that was circulated on the eve of 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Vadakara. The screenshot purportedly labelled LDF candidate K K Shailaja as a ‘kafir’ (non-believer), triggering a major political row in the state. The issue led to a bitter exchange between CPM and UDF, with both sides accusing each other of attempting communal polarisation during the election campaign.

Police investigations conducted earlier had found that the fake message first appeared in WhatsApp groups allegedly linked to CPM and DYFI members before spreading widely across social media platforms. The findings intensified the political controversy and led to demands for a comprehensive investigation.