Kozhikode, Dec 27 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure and KPCC Political Affairs Committee member N. Subramanian has been taken into police custody on Saturday concerning a dispute over the dissemination of a supposedly altered image of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alongside Unnikrishnan Potti, the main suspect in the Sabarimala gold heist case.

The Chevayur police apprehended Subramanian at his home and charged him under statutes connected to inciting enmity and public disorder, suggesting that the social media post might stir communal tensions. Authorities stated he qualifies for station bail.

The controversy involves a social media post where Subramanian shared images that allegedly depicted CM Vijayan alongside Potti, with a caption questioning a “deep connection” between them. CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan was the first to identify the image as AI-generated, suggesting it was circulated with the intent to mislead and incite unrest.

Immediately after his custody, Subramanian reportedly became unwell and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

In response to ongoing assertions by CPI(M) leaders that the image was a forgery using artificial intelligence, the Chevayur police initiated a case and detained Subramanian for further investigation. A police team led by the Circle Inspector is currently examining the situation. Reports indicate that Subramanian had posted two images, later deleting one, which is a key focus of the inquiry.

Reacting to the situation, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal labeled the police action as “strange” and accused them of selective enforcement.

“Chief Minister Vijayan and Prime Minister Modi appear to share a similar approach of utilizing agencies against political adversaries. We respect the law, but why is it being enforced selectively? Why is there a lack of action against those involved in the Sabarimala gold heist?” Venugopal expressed.

Former Kerala Home Minister and senior Congress figure Ramesh Chennithala stated that the party would contest the police's actions both legally and politically.

In defense, Subramanian claimed the actions taken against him were politically driven and asserted that the image he shared was a screenshot from a video released by the Chief Minister’s Office, not an AI-generated falsehood. He expressed uncertainty about a formal arrest but stated he would “willingly go to jail” if it came to that.

This incident has ignited significant political reactions throughout the state. While CPI(M) leaders advocated for strict measures to prevent the misuse of AI-generated and fake images that could disrupt public peace, opposition parties condemned the action as an attempt to suppress free speech and intimidate political opponents.

The controversy has once again highlighted the implications of AI-generated content in political discussions, amidst growing scrutiny of social media activities by law enforcement.

Furthermore, the image controversy took a new turn with another picture—reportedly showing former Devaswom Minister and senior CPI(M) MLA Kadakampally Surendran with Potti—emerging on social media, adding complexity to the political ramifications.