Kozhikide, 16 June (H.S.) :The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the controversial ‘Kafir’ screenshot case on Tuesday arrested DYFI leader Jithin Bhaskar, a key development in the investigation into the circulation of a communal social media message during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.

Jithin Bhaskar, a member of the DYFI Vadakara Block Committee, was taken into custody after investigators found evidence suggesting that he had played a role in disseminating the screenshot through multiple WhatsApp groups. According to the SIT, the screenshot was first shared by Jithin in the ‘Vadakara Squad’ WhatsApp group and was later circulated in another group named ‘Ribesh Red Encounter’.

As part of the ongoing probe, investigators have also questioned nine DYFI and CPI(M) activists to trace the origin and spread of the message.

The controversial ‘Kafir’ screenshot surfaced during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign and was circulated against UDF candidate Shafi Parambil, triggering a major political row in Kerala. The message was alleged to have been used to influence voters and create communal divisions during the election period.

Initially, police had named Youth League worker Mohammed Kasim as an accused in the case. However, following intervention by the Kerala High Court, a fresh investigation was launched. The subsequent probe found that DYFI activist Ribesh Ramakrishnan was the first person to post the screenshot.

Despite that finding, the investigation had remained largely stagnant for months. The SIT later intensified the inquiry, examining digital evidence, WhatsApp group activity and the chain of circulation of the screenshot.

Officials said the arrest of Jithin Bhaskar could help investigators establish how the message was created and disseminated. The SIT is expected to continue questioning those linked to the WhatsApp groups involved, and further action may follow as the probe progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman