Hindu, Muslim IAS WhatsApp groups; Industries dept director Gopalakrishnan's 'hacking' claim falls flat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: WhatsApp's response over the Hindu-Muslim groups on the social media platform has put the Director of the Industries Department K. Gopalakrishnan in dock. WhatsApp contradicted Gopalakrishnan’s claims of his phone getting hacked resulting in the creation of the religious group. With this confirmation, it was more or less sure that it was indeed Gopalakrishnan who formed the group on a sectarian basis. His Samsung phone was seized and sent for forensic examination. It was learned that he had erased data from the phone.

The police have asked Google for information about the applications used on the phone. The phone usage information was also sought from the service provider. Meanwhile, Gopalakrishnan repeated the hacking claim in his statement to DCP Bharat Reddy on Tuesday. Gopalakrishnan said he learned about the incident only through his friends.

According to police, Gopalakrishan wanted to picture himself as an influential figure among IAS officials in Kerala, to convince certain top officials and secure a higher position in Delhi on central deputation. Previously, he tried twice for central government deputation but failed.

The Hindu group was created first. With protests emanating from others, a Muslim group was later formed and then some caste-based groups followed suit. Director of Agriculture Department Adeela Abdullah filed a police complaint against her inclusion in the group of Muslim officials. There is also an investigation into this.

Police dismissed the phone hacking complaint and asserted that Gopalakrishnan was in control of the phone and WhatsApp during and after the creation of the group. The phone will also be sent to C-DAC for testing if necessary. Meanwhile, the police will seek legal advice on whether a case of religious hatred should be filed as the WhatsApp groups, apart from being formed, have not exchanged any messages.

Gopalakrishnan met Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan and briefed her about his stance. The Chief Secretary sought an explanation in writing. Minister P. Rajeev stated that he would look into the controversy.