Case Filed Against Sasikala, Supporters Over Misleading Video of Lawyer

The Ernakulam Central police have registered a case against Hindu Aikya Vedi leader K.P. Sasikala and unidentified supporters of the Congress and the BJP over the alleged circulation of a misleading video. The complaint was filed by Maneesha Radhakrishnan, a lawyer and district vice-president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused allegedly circulated a video showing the complainant and her friends, captioning it “MDMA comrades” and adding provocative remarks. The video was claimed to depict a group of teachers who were recently arrested in a drug-related case. The complaint states that the video was false and intended to defame the women shown in it.

The case has been registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which penalises wantonly giving provocation with the intent to cause a riot. The provision is attracted based on the allegations in the complaint, and the police have initiated an investigation.

In response to the incident, CPI(M) district secretary S. Sathish condemned the alleged cyber attack, describing it as an attempt to target women in public life. He said such acts are aimed at discouraging women from active participation in public affairs. The All India Lawyers Union Ernakulam district committee also demanded that the police take immediate steps to identify and arrest the accused.

The complaint alleges that the video was circulated on social media platforms with malicious intent, potentially causing public unrest and damaging the reputation of the complainant and her friends. The police have registered the case based on the complaint and have begun a probe. No arrests have been made so far, and further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

Misinformation and doctored videos have become a growing concern in recent times, with law enforcement agencies increasingly urged to act firmly against such content. This case highlights the legal and social implications of sharing unverified or deliberately misleading material online, particularly when it targets individuals in public life.

The accused have not yet issued a public response. The police are expected to examine digital evidence and question those involved in the circulation of the video. Legal experts note that Section 192 BNS requires the prosecution to prove that the act was done with the intent to cause a riot, which may pose a challenge in this case given the context of the complaint.

This development comes amid heightened political rivalry in Kerala, where cyber attacks and counter-allegations are frequently exchanged among party workers. However, the police have emphasised that the investigation will be conducted impartially and in accordance with the law.