Thiruvananthapuram, 24 July (H.S.):Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has directed officials to take stringent action on a complaint filed by senior CPI(M) leader and Central Committee member P.K. Sreemathy, who has alleged that a sustained fake news campaign has been launched to malign her reputation. The complaint has been forwarded to the Home Department for further action.
The development comes days after Sreemathy broke down before the media while speaking about what she described as a relentless campaign of fabricated stories and defamatory content circulated through social media platforms and YouTube channels.
Addressing reporters on Friday, Sreemathy said she would pursue defamation proceedings against those responsible, making it clear that there would be no forgiveness for those spreading falsehoods. She claimed that several individuals who had circulated the content had since contacted her seeking forgiveness, with some even apologising profusely. She also said leaders from the Congress and the BJP had reached out to express solidarity.
Sreemathy rejected allegations that she was receiving a family pension as the wife of an MLA, describing the claim as entirely baseless and intended solely to tarnish her public image. She said neither she nor anyone she knew had any connection with the individual mentioned in the fabricated reports.
The veteran leader also clarified that she had never used the word severity while commenting on the sexual harassment allegations against former CPI(M) leader P.K. Sasi, accusing her detractors of deliberately twisting her remarks as part of the ongoing misinformation campaign.
Recalling her career as a school teacher before entering politics, Sreemathy said she had served in the education sector until the age of 45 and found the personal attacks deeply hurtful. She expressed disappointment that no media organisation had sought her version despite the widespread circulation of the allegations.
Sreemathy said she had decided to file formal complaints with the Director General of Police, the Home Minister, the Speaker and the Chief Minister, seeking legal action against those responsible for spreading defamatory content.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
