Kerala Police Identify Accused in Defamatory Social Media Post Against IUML Leader
Police in Kozhikode have successfully identified the individual allegedly responsible for creating and sharing a defamatory social media post targeting Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal, the esteemed state president of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The Perinthalmanna police station has officially registered a criminal case against Muhammed Roshan, a resident of Perinthalmanna, who has a prior history of criminal involvement, including previous invocation of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, commonly known as Kaapa.
Complaint and Allegations
The case was initiated based on a formal complaint filed by Moeen Ali Shihab Thangal, a respected member of the Panakkad family. According to the detailed First Information Report (FIR), the incident unfolded on January 31, when Roshan allegedly summoned Moeen Ali Thangal and a companion to a shopping mall located in Perinthalmanna. During this meeting, Roshan reportedly displayed fabricated and ambiguous images and videos on his mobile device, falsely claiming they depicted Sadikali Thangal.
The accused then attempted to extort a staggering sum of Rs 15 crore from Thangal, threatening to publish the misleading content on various social media platforms if his demands were not met. Furthermore, Roshan allegedly issued a severe death threat, warning against reporting the matter to the authorities, thereby intensifying the gravity of the situation.
Social Media Post and Legal Action
Subsequently, on March 21, the accused created a Facebook account under the pseudonym ‘Shan Shanu’ and posted a derogatory message aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Sadikali Thangal. Fortunately, the offensive post was swiftly removed on the same day, and the fraudulent account was also deleted, but not before causing significant concern.
In response, the Perinthalmanna police have taken decisive legal action by registering a comprehensive case against Roshan. The charges include multiple sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically sections 192, 308(4), and 351(4), which pertain to defamation and related offenses. Additionally, the case invokes section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, addressing cheating by personation using computer resources, and section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act, which deals with creating public nuisance.
Current Status and Investigation
According to official statements from the Perinthalmanna police, Muhammed Roshan is currently absconding, evading law enforcement. Intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him, with authorities coordinating across jurisdictions to ensure his swift capture. This case highlights the increasing challenges of cybercrime and social media misuse in Kerala, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring and robust legal frameworks to protect public figures from such malicious attacks.
The investigation remains active, with police urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in bringing the accused to justice and upholding the integrity of the judicial process.
