KOZHIKODE: DYFI North Block Committee has announced a reward of ₹25 lakh for anyone who can prove that the controversial 'kafir' message screenshot was created by R.S. Ribesh, the DYFI Vadakara Block President. This announcement was made via the official Facebook page of the DYFI North Block Committee.

Ribesh, who serves as the admin of the 'Red Encounter' group, is accused of spreading the fake screenshot, which was allegedly pro-CPM. When questioned by authorities, Ribesh refused to disclose the source of the post. According to the police, Ribesh's phone has been sent for forensic examination to determine whether he created the post or merely downloaded it.

Following the police report, Ribesh and the DYFI faced widespread criticism. In response, the committee made the reward offer.

The controversy began during the Lok Sabha elections when a screenshot of a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by P.K. Muhammad Kasim, an MSF leader from the Thiruvallur area of Vadakara constituency, went viral. The message referred to the LDF candidate as a 'kafir,' leading to a social media uproar. Muhammad Kasim and the MSF later filed a complaint, alleging that the screenshot was fake and accusing the CPM of being behind it.

The police investigation revealed that Muhammad Kasim was not responsible for the screenshot. They have since submitted a report with crucial findings to the High Court.