Thiruvananthapuram, 18 August (H.S.): The Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police have arrested Vattiyoorkavu Ajith Kumar, president of the All Kerala Men’s Association, for allegedly making sexually derogatory remarks on social media against women who participated in a midnight programme organised by the Kerala Women and Child Development Department.

The case relates to a Facebook video posted by Ajith Kumar following the department’s ‘Resurge — Freedom at Midnight’ programme, held on the night of August 14. The initiative was organised exclusively for women as part of efforts to assert their right to access public spaces freely and safely during nighttime hours.

According to the police, Ajith Kumar allegedly used sexually suggestive and insulting language while referring to the women who attended the programme. He is also accused of making disparaging comments about the event itself.

The video drew criticism after it began circulating on social media. Officials said its content was degrading to women and appeared intended to insult and intimidate the participants.

Following the controversy, the Director of the Women and Child Development Department lodged a formal complaint against Ajith Kumar. Acting on the complaint, the Cyber Police registered a case, examined the video and subsequently took him into custody.

Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the publication and circulation of the video. The police are also examining whether the accused had posted similar content against women on social media in the past.

The authorities have not yet disclosed the specific legal provisions invoked in the case. Further action will be taken after completing the necessary digital and technical examinations, police said.

The arrest has once again brought attention to the growing misuse of social media platforms to target women with abusive and sexually coloured remarks. The Cyber Police said further investigation into the case was under way.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman