SIT probing Kafir screenshot case issues notices to three persons including DYFI leader to appear for questioning

Kozhikode: The special investigation team (SIT) probing the kafir screenshot case has intensified investigation and has issued notices to more people including DYFI functionaries to appear for questioning.

Notices have been issued to DYFI functionary Ribesh Ramakrishnan and two others - Manesh and Athul.

The SIT has also decided to write to Meta again for further details. A decision was made to question the admins of Left-leaning WhatsApp and social media groups in which the screenshot appeared initially.

The notices have been issued to the three persons based on the statement given by Jithin Bhasker, who was questioned by the SIT on Saturday.

The earlier investigation by police concluded that Ramakrishnan had shared the screenshot but it could not be ascertained from whom he received it.

But now the SIT has found that the screenshot first appeared in a WhatsApp group named ‘Vadakara Squad’, of which Bhasker was a member. Bhasker is one of the admins of that group and as a continuation of that, these three individuals are now being called in for questioning. Ramakrishnan, Manesh and Athul have been summoned.

The investigation team believes that the screenshot was fabricated and widely circulated as part of a deliberate, planned conspiracy.

Those who were issued notices on Sunday will be questioned on Monday.

The case pertains to the circulation of a ‘fabricated screenshot’ in the name of MSF leader Mohammed Kasim ahead of Lok Saba elections. The screenshot reportedly portrayed LDF candidate Shailaja as a ‘kafir’ and UDF candidate Shafi Parambil as a ‘dini’ (pious person), sparking controversy during the poll campaign. Kasim approached the police and later the high court, seeking directives for a speedy and effective investigation into the incident.