Kerala elections: V.D. Satheesan files complaint with Chief Electoral Officer, police chief over ‘forged letter’ on UDF candidate selection

Kerala’s Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan on Tuesday filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and State Police Chief (SPC) seeking an investigation into a letter circulating on social media using fake letterhead, allegedly sent to the KPCC president regarding UDF’s selection of candidates.

In the complaint, Mr. Satheesan alleged that there was a “fabricated document bearing my fake letterhead and signature” which was widely circulated on social media platforms. The contents of the letter are misleading and appear to be deliberately designed to create confusion among Congress party workers and the public during the ongoing election season.

Such malicious dissemination of misinformation not only misappropriates the identity of the constitutional officer, but also has the potential to disrupt the election atmosphere, mislead voters, and disrupt the democratic process. In its complaint, it stated that this action constituted a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, as well as relevant provisions of the election law and cyber regulations.

The complaint stated that given the seriousness of the matter, an investigation should be launched immediately into the source and circulation of the “fake letter”.

It also sought to direct authorities, including the cyber cell, to identify those responsible and take action against them, besides removing misleading content from social media platforms.