Mallu WhatsApp group controversy: Cannot register case against K Gopalakrishnan, report submitted to Commissioner

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A preliminary investigation into the Mallu WhatsApp group controversy has found no grounds to book IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan. The Narcotic Cell Assistant Commissioner, who conducted a preliminary investigation into the controversy, submitted the report to the Commissioner.

It was Kollam DCC general secretary who lodged a complaint in the incident. The report stated that the case would stand only if the persons who were added to the group filed a complaint and that there would be legal hurdles if others filed a complaint in the matter. It also stated that the case would not stand as no offensive messages were posted in the group.

A controversy had erupted after Industrial Department Director K Gopalakrishnan created a WhatsApp group which exclusively comprised Hindu IAS officers. However, Gopalakrishnan argued that someone else had created the group after hacking his phone.

K Gopalakrishnan, who is under suspension, was given a charge memo by Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan two days ago. He has been asked to submit a reply to the memo within 30 days.