The Special Investigation Team has issued a notice for DYFI leader Ribesh Ramakrishnan, the second accused in the fabricated ‘kafir’ screenshot case, to appear at the Kozhikode Crime Branch on July 24. The move escalates the political and legal scrutiny surrounding the digital hoax during the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign.

Key Takeaways

  • Ribesh Ramakrishnan summoned by SIT to Kozhikode Crime Branch
  • He is the second accused in the fabricated ‘kafir’ screenshot case
  • Interrogation scheduled for July 24, with bail conditions under review

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Vadakara ‘kafir’ screenshot case has issued a formal notice directing Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader Ribesh Ramakrishnan to report to the Kozhikode District Crime Branch office on Friday, July 24, for interrogation. This follows his recent arraignment as the second accused, accompanied by fresh charges filed with the Vadakara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court.

The controversy began when a forged screenshot depicting the 2024 Lok Sabha candidate K.K. Shailaja as a ‘kafir’ (non‑believer) circulated widely on WhatsApp and Facebook during the election campaign. The image, designed to tarnish the Left Democratic Front candidate, sparked communal sensitivities and prompted police action.

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According to SIT findings, the first suspect, DYFI activist Jithin Bhaskaran, created the fake screenshot and initially forwarded it to Ribesh. Ribesh allegedly shared it in a WhatsApp group called ‘Red Enclave’, from where it proliferated across several left‑leaning groups, including the Ambalappuzha Red Battalion, and multiple Facebook pages. Investigators also discovered that Jithin attempted to erase digital footprints by resetting his mobile device.

The Vadakara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court earlier rejected SIT’s plea to cancel bail granted to Jithin, noting alleged violations of bail conditions after his release, such as participation in reception programmes and incitement through slogans against police and the state government.

This case underscores how digital misinformation can be weaponized in electoral politics, inflaming communal tensions and challenging law‑enforcement credibility. The ongoing interrogation of Ribesh will be closely watched for its impact on Kerala’s political landscape.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the spread of fabricated political content not only distorts voter perception but also fuels communal discord, jeopardizing democratic processes. Timely, transparent investigations are essential to curb such threats.

"Digital evidence must be examined with both technical rigor and political sensitivity," says legal analyst Priya Singh.
Did You Know?: From 2019 to 2023, fake political posts during election periods rose by 37% across Indian social media platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Why was Ribesh Ramakrishnan named as an accused?

Answer: He is alleged to have disseminated the forged ‘kafir’ screenshot through multiple online groups, thereby contributing to its viral spread.

Question 2: Are members of other political parties involved?

Answer: Initial investigations pointed to Muslim Students Federation activists, but later probes identified involvement of CPI(M) and DYFI members as well.