Kafir screenshot case in Kerala: SIT names DYFI leader Ribesh Ramakrishnan as an accused

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the ‘kafir’ screenshot controversy in Kerala has named Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader Ribesh Ramakrishnan as an accused in the case. The SIT recently submitted a comprehensive report detailing the new charges before the Vadakara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court.

Mr. Ramakrishnan had earlier secured anticipatory bail from the Kozhikode District and Sessions Court. Police sources said a notice would be issued soon directing him to appear for interrogation. Further legal action would be taken in compliance with the court’s anticipatory bail order, they said.

According to the SIT, Jithin Bhaskaran, a local DYFI leader arrested earlier in connection with the case, was responsible for creating the forged screenshot. After preparing the post, he allegedly reset his mobile phone in an attempt to destroy digital evidence.

The police found that Mr. Bhaskaran initially forwarded the post to Mr. Ramakrishnan. From the latter’s phone, the image was reportedly shared to a WhatsApp group named ‘Red Enclave’. Subsequently, it was widely circulated across several other Left-leaning social media groups, including the WhatsApp group named ‘Ambalappuzha Red Battalion’ and various Facebook pages.

The investigation team informed the court that the probe was still continuing and that further headway was expected to be made in the coming days.

The case is related to the circulation of the fabricated screenshot containing communally sensitive content during the campaign for the 2026 Lok Sabha elections in the Vadakara constituency.

The screenshot, according to the police, attempted to portray Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate K.K. Shailaja in a derogatory light by labelling her a ‘kafir’ (non-believer). While initial allegations pointed towards activists of the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), subsequent police probes revealed the suspected involvement of CPI(M) and DYFI activists. Later, the SIT conducted a re-investigation into the incident which led to the arrest of two DYFI activists.