Kannur, 18 April (H.S.):

The cyber police have registered a case over the circulation of a fake letter allegedly issued on the letterhead of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), following a complaint by its president Sunny Joseph. The complaint stated that a forged letter, purportedly signed by him, was widely shared on social media platforms with the intent to mislead party workers and the public.

According to the police, cases have been booked against Advocate K.J. Joseph and Abdul Khader, who are believed to be supporters of Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran. The controversial content was circulated through their Facebook accounts, claiming that Sunny Joseph had written to Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress, urging that a party ticket should not be allotted to Sudhakaran in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The purported letter, which bore the KPCC letterhead, also allegedly expressed support for another leader, T.O. Mohanan, and raised concerns about Sudhakaran’s electoral prospects in the Kannur constituency. However, Sunny Joseph, in his complaint, categorically denied issuing any such communication, terming the letter “completely fabricated” and part of a deliberate attempt to create confusion within the party ranks.

Police sources said the case has been registered under relevant provisions related to forgery, impersonation, and spreading misinformation through digital platforms. A detailed investigation is underway to determine the origin and intent behind the circulation of the fake document.

Interestingly, K. Sudhakaran responded cautiously to the controversy, stating that he does not believe the letter was issued against him by the KPCC leadership. At the same time, he called for a thorough investigation into the matter to bring out the truth.

The incident has further intensified factional tensions within the Congress in Kannur, where internal rivalries have been simmering ahead of the Assembly elections. The controversy also posed a political challenge for Sunny Joseph, who is contesting as the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate from Peravoor.

The row has triggered demands from certain quarters within the party for Joseph to step down as KPCC president, citing moral responsibility. However, party leadership has so far maintained silence, even as the police probe continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman