Kerala cyber police book social media activist in Kasaragod over alleged riot call

Cyber ​​Crime police in Kasaragod, Kerala, have registered a case against social media activist Khader Karippody on charges of attempting to incite civil unrest through a Facebook post during the election season.

The case, registered on April 2, followed a complaint filed by NDA candidate and BJP Kasaragod district president ML Ashwini. The police invoked non-bailable provisions under Article 190(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Article 125 of the Representation of Public Law.

According to the complaint, Mr. Karippody had posted a video on his Facebook page called ‘Public Kerala’ at 9.49 pm on March 31, allegedly containing statements that could promote enmity and division in society in the context of the ongoing Assembly elections.

It is claimed that the video also made references to the murder of a cleric and attributed the crime to some political leaders, thus increasing tension between communities.

The cyber police, led by sub-inspector P. Ravindran, has launched an investigation into the incident.

The controversial video was removed from Facebook after police intervention.

Officials said they are reviewing the complaint received from the candidate via email and collecting more digital evidence, including details about the post.

This development comes ahead of Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, when police have intensified surveillance on social media platforms to curb the spread of fake news and hate content during the poll period.