Kozhikode, June 8: The political landscape in Kerala is once again buzzing as the newly formed Special Investigation Team (SIT) delves into the much-discussed ‘Kafir Screenshot’ case. Ribes Ramakrishnan, the DYFI Block President of Vadakara, has resigned from his position just before being summoned for questioning by the SIT, reigniting political debates surrounding the issue.
This controversy first emerged during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the Vadakara parliamentary constituency, where a fierce contest took place between Congress candidate Shafi Parambil and senior CPI(M) leader and former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja. Ultimately, Shafi Parambil’s victory dealt a significant blow to the CPM.
The initial investigation occurred during the tenure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government but was halted due to insufficient evidence and the inability to trace the original source of the controversial screenshot.
However, shortly after the UDF, led by V.D. Satheesan, came to power, the case was reopened, and the new SIT was assigned to conduct a fresh investigation.
Ribes Ramakrishnan submitted his resignation on Saturday but will remain a member of the DYFI Block Committee. His resignation comes at a time when the SIT has intensified its inquiry into the origin and dissemination of the disputed screenshot.
The ‘Kafir Screenshot’ controversy began when a purported fake post circulated on social media during the Vadakara Lok Sabha election campaign, using the term ‘Kafir.’ Allegations arose that this post was crafted to target UDF candidate Shafi Parambil.
This issue sparked a heated political debate between the UDF and LDF. Opposition parties accused the ruling party of attempting to influence the electoral atmosphere communally and create polarization.
Initially, a case was filed against MSF leader Mohammad Qasim, but the Kerala High Court later stated that no evidence was found against him.
Under the supervision of DIG Yatish Chandra and led by Rural SP T. Farash, the SIT is now focused on identifying those who created and first disseminated the screenshot through cyber investigations.
As part of the new inquiry, Ribes Ramakrishnan, along with Manesh and Athul, has been summoned for questioning at the Vadakara Crime Branch office. Athul and Manesh are reportedly members of a WhatsApp group called ‘Red Volunteers Battalion.’
Sources indicate that the investigation is also targeting certain cyber groups associated with leftist ideologies. Evidence suggests that the controversial screenshot may have first circulated through platforms like a WhatsApp group named ‘Vadakara Squad.’
The SIT has also begun investigating the roles of admins and members of online groups linked to the post’s dissemination. Previous investigations were limited to a few social media group administrators.
Currently, the primary objective of the investigation is to trace the original source of the screenshot, identify those involved in its creation and distribution, and determine if it was crafted and disseminated with the intent to influence the elections through communal messaging.
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