Authorities in Kannur, Kerala, have initiated legal proceedings against an individual, identified as Rajan, following a social media post where he allegedly referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "traitor." The complaint, lodged by a local BJP representative, led to the registration of a case on Friday evening.
The investigation centers on alleged defamation and actions intended to provoke unrest, invoking specific legal sections. The Sreekandapuram police are now involved in tracing the electronic device used for the post and intend to interrogate Rajan as part of the ongoing probe.
The alleged remark appeared under a social media post noting Prime Minister Modi's Instagram following exceeding 10 crore. The case has been registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, pertaining to "wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot," and Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act, concerning "causing public nuisance."
Further actions by the police include the interrogation of the accused and the tracing of the electronic device used to publish the comment. A district committee member of the BJP, T.V. Ramesan, has reportedly demanded a retraction of the comment and an apology from the individual.
Read More: Spain's Iran Stance Challenges EU Unity on January 25, 2022
This incident brings into focus the intersection of online expression and legal accountability, particularly concerning remarks directed at high-profile political figures. The use of social media platforms for such commentary has repeatedly led to scrutiny under existing laws, highlighting ongoing debates about free speech and its perceived boundaries within the public sphere.