A leader from the DYFI Vadakara Block Committee, Jithin Bhaskar, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following interrogation. The arrest is linked to the controversial ‘Kafir’ screenshot that surfaced during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign in Vadakara.
The SIT’s investigation revolves around the WhatsApp group ‘Vadakara Squad’, suspected to be the initial source of the disputed content. Recently, DYFI Vadakara Block President Ribesh Ramakrishnan resigned from his position before facing SIT questioning, although he remains on the block committee.
The incident, involving a derogatory social media post targeting Congress candidate Shafi Parambil, occurred during the Vadakara Lok Sabha election. The case gained attention due to the use of the term “Kafir”, considered offensive. The election itself was a closely contested battle between Shafi Parambil and former Health Minister K.K. Shylaja of the CPI(M).
The investigation, reignited under the UDF government, is now delving into online groups associated with the post’s circulation. Congress MLA Praveen Kumar emphasized that the recent developments indicate a deeper conspiracy, hinting at more individuals involved beyond the arrested party.
