A fresh probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Kafir screenshot case has put the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency controversy back under the spotlight, with DYFI Vadakara Block President Ribesh Ramakrishnan resigning from his organisational post just days before being summoned for questioning. The case, which ignited a fierce political battle during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign in Kerala, had previously been closed by police under the Pinarayi Vijayan government citing lack of evidence.

What the Kafir Screenshot Case Is About

The controversy erupted during the Vadakara constituency campaign when a fabricated social media post containing the word 'Kafir' — widely regarded as a religious slur — was allegedly circulated to target UDF candidate Shafi Parambil of the Indian National Congress. The post triggered sharp accusations between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), with allegations that the fake content was designed to stoke communal polarisation and sway voters.

The Vadakara contest was among the most closely watched in Kerala, pitting Parambil against former Health Minister K.K. Shylaja of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Parambil ultimately won by a convincing margin, dealing a significant blow to the CPI-M.

Earlier Probe Closed, Now Revived

The initial police investigation, conducted during the Vijayan government's tenure, was shut down after the team reported it could not trace the original source of the screenshot. A case had been registered against MSF leader Muhammad Kasim, whose name was allegedly linked to the post, but the Kerala High Court later found no evidence of his involvement.

The case was revived shortly after the VD Satheesan-led UDF government assumed office. A fresh SIT was constituted and ordered to conduct a comprehensive reinvestigation.

Key Developments in the Fresh Investigation

The SIT, functioning under the supervision of DIG Yathish Chandra and led by Rural SP T. Farash, has launched a detailed cyber investigation to identify the screenshot's creator and trace its first point of circulation. Investigators have reportedly focused on Left-leaning cyber groups, including a WhatsApp group called 'Vadakara Squad', after preliminary findings suggested the post may have first spread through such platforms.

As part of the renewed probe, DYFI activist Ribesh Ramakrishnan, along with two others — Manesh and Athul — were summoned for questioning at the Vadakara Crime Branch office. Manesh and Athul are reportedly members of the Red Volunteers Battalion WhatsApp group. The SIT has also examined the role of administrators and members of online groups linked to the post's circulation, widening the scope beyond what earlier inquiries covered.

DYFI Leader's Resignation and Its Significance

Ribesh Ramakrishnan stepped down from his post as DYFI Vadakara Block President on Saturday, ahead of his scheduled questioning by the SIT. He will, however, continue as a member of the DYFI block committee. His resignation came almost immediately after the SIT resumed intensive questioning, drawing attention to the political dimensions of the case.

The investigation now centres on determining who created the screenshot, who first circulated it, and whether its distribution formed part of a coordinated effort to influence the election outcome through communal messaging. With the SIT expanding its digital forensics and examining multiple group administrators, the probe's findings are expected to carry significant political consequences for both the Left and the ruling UDF.