SIT formed for fresh probe: Reinvestigation launched into controversial Vadakara 'Kafir' screenshot case

KOZHIKODE: A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to launch a fresh probe into the controversial "Kafir" screenshot case, which triggered significant political turbulence during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. The newly formed investigative wing will function under the direct supervision of the Kozhikode Rural Superintendent of Police. This development comes after the local police had previously submitted a report to the court stating that they were unable to trace the perpetrators behind the controversial social media post.

The decision to reopen the investigation follows a formal complaint submitted by Kuttiadi MLA, Parakkal Abdulla, to the newly appointed Home Minister, Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a comprehensive reinvestigation. While the Kozhikode Rural Superintendent of Police will oversee the broader operations, District Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police, T. Manoharan, has been designated as the chief investigative officer. A seven-member team, which includes the Vadakara Police Station House Officer, has been assembled to execute the inquiry.

The controversy dates back to the high-stakes campaign for the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency in 2024. The issue erupted when a screenshot surfaced on social media, carrying communal overtones directed against the Left Democratic Front candidate, K.K. Shailaja. While the Left Democratic Front initially alleged that the derogatory campaign originated from United Democratic Front circles, the opposition coalition strongly rejected the claims, countering that the screenshot was a fabrication created by left-wing operatives to gain sympathy. The United Democratic Front eventually secured a decisive victory in the constituency when the election results were declared.

The United Democratic Front had consistently alleged that the previous administration deliberately compromised the initial investigation, which ultimately led to the failure to identify the culprits. The swift decision by the newly installed Home Department to order a re-probe, within weeks of assuming governance, signals a major political and legal shift in handling the high-profile case.