Police register case on cyberattacks against late journalist Jijo John Puthazheth

KOTTAYAM: The police have registered a case on the cyberattacks against the late journalist Jijo John Puthazheth. The case was registered based on the complaint filed by Malayala Manorama. The Kottayam Cyber Police said the attacks appeared to be a planned one and that more than 2,000 social media accounts are being monitored.

Soon after the news of Jijo John’s death, abusive posts and comments of a similar nature were seen on multiple social media accounts. The police suspect that this was part of a planned conspiracy. Cybercrime inspector B S Adarsh is the investigating official. It is reported that further action, including arrests, will be initiated within two days.

The charges include conducting abusive campaign, deliberate defamation, and the use of obscene and offensive language. District police chief K M Sabu Mathew said strict action would be taken against those responsible. The Vanchiyoor Police have also registered a case based on a complaint filed by the state committee of the journalists’ union.

The cyber cell has handed over details of 15 social media accounts to the Vanchiyoor Police. The police assured that the account holders would be identified and arrested soon. Directions have been given to Meta to restrict the accounts. The investigation is being conducted under the leadership of cyber cell IG V Prakash.