Case registered over Facebook post using Sudhakaran’s name, photo
The Kannur Cyber Crime Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into a Facebook post that allegedly used the photograph and name of Congress leader and Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran to circulate a fabricated statement critical of the Chief Minister.
Alleged fabrication and content of the post
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the post in question was shared in a manner that gave the impression Mr. Sudhakaran had declared that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan should be removed from office immediately, warning that, failing such action, the situation could deteriorate to the point where people would “throw rotten eggs” at him. The police stated that the suspected act appeared intended to insult and defame the MP and foment unrest among the public and Congress workers.
Case registered and suspect identified
The case has been registered against Rajeev P.R. Rajeev, identified as the owner of a Facebook account bearing the same name. Investigators allege that the post misrepresented Mr. Sudhakaran’s views by presenting the fabricated statement as though it came from him. Cyber Crime Inspector K.V. Mahesh is leading the investigation.
Complaint and initiation of probe
Police initiated proceedings on the basis of a complaint submitted by Mr. Sudhakaran. The complaint was received by email through the Kerala Police headquarters, prompting the Kannur Cyber Crime Police to register the FIR and begin tracing the origin and circulation pattern of the post.
Online controversy and political backdrop
The alleged fake statement circulated widely on social media platforms and triggered controversy, with several posts attributing criticism of the Chief Minister to Mr. Sudhakaran. The spread of the content intensified online debate and raised concerns within political circles about the amplification of misinformation through deceptive use of public figures’ identities.
Statements and reactions
Mr. Sudhakaran stated that the messages and posters being circulated in his name against the Chief Minister were baseless and factually incorrect. He described the material as part of a deliberate campaign aimed at misleading the public and carrying out personal attacks. He further maintained that spreading fake news and engaging in personal vilification could not be justified as political activity or defended under the guise of freedom of expression.
After learning that the false statement was being shared in his name, Mr. Sudhakaran approached the Home Minister seeking action. He also called for the source of the misinformation to be identified and for strong measures to be taken against those responsible for creating and disseminating the content.
Investigation underway
Police have not disclosed additional details about the scope of the investigation or potential charges beyond confirming that the case has been registered and is being actively probed by the Cyber Crime unit in Kannur. Investigators are expected to examine the account’s activity, the origin of the fabricated content, and its distribution network across social platforms.
Why it matters
The case underscores continuing concerns about the use of social media to spread misinformation and impersonate public figures, and the potential for such content to inflame political tensions. Authorities have signalled that they view the alleged fabrication as a serious matter warranting criminal investigation, while the complainant has urged swift action to deter similar campaigns in the future.
