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PoliticsKerala SIT arrests DYFI leader Ribesh Ramakrishnan in 'Kafir' screenshot case
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The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Kerala arrested Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader Ribesh Ramakrishnan on July 24, 2026, in connection with the 'Kafir' screenshot case. He is the second accused, following earlier arrest of DYFI leader Jithin Bhaskaran. The case involves the distribution of a fabricated screenshot during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign in the Vadakara constituency. The image allegedly aimed to undermine Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate K.K. Shailaja by referring to her as a 'kafir'. According to investigators, Jithin created the forged screenshot and forwarded it to Ribesh, who then shared it in a WhatsApp group named Red Enclave, from where it spread through other Left-leaning groups and Facebook pages. Jithin had reportedly reset his phone to destroy digital evidence. The case initially implicated Muslim Students Federation (MSF) activists, but later investigations pointed to CPI(M) and DYFI involvement, leading to the SIT probe.
Source report
Updated - July 25, 2026 12:13 am IST — Kozhikode
The Hindu Bureau
The special investigation team (SIT) probing the Vadakara ‘kafir’ screenshot case arrested Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader Ribesh Ramakrishnan on Friday (July 24, 2026). He is the second accused in the case.
His arrest was recorded when he appeared before the Kozhikode District Crime Branch office following a notice issued by the SIT.
Case Background
The investigating team had arraigned Ribesh as the second accused and submitted a report before the Vadakara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court detailing fresh charges against him. Police sources said further legal proceedings would be initiated in accordance with the anticipatory bail granted to him earlier by the Kozhikode Sessions Court.
According to the investigation team:
- DYFI leader Jithin Bhaskaran, who was arrested earlier in the case, created the forged screenshot and initially forwarded it to Ribesh.
- Ribesh allegedly shared the image in a WhatsApp group named Red Enclave.
- From there, the image was circulated through several other Left-leaning WhatsApp groups, including Ambalappuzha Red Battalion, and on various Facebook pages.
Investigators also found that Jithin had reset his mobile phone after creating the image in an attempt to destroy digital evidence.
Previous Developments
The Vadakara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court had earlier dismissed an SIT plea seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Jithin. The investigating team had argued that he violated the conditions of his bail by participating in reception programmes held in Vadakara and Thiruvallur after his release.
The Case
The case relates to the circulation of a fabricated screenshot containing communally sensitive content during the campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha election in the Vadakara constituency. The post purportedly sought to portray Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate K.K. Shailaja in a derogatory manner by referring to her as a ‘kafir’.
The case initially led to allegations against activists of the Muslim Students Federation (MSF). However, subsequent investigations pointed to the alleged involvement of CPI(M) and DYFI activists. Following this, the State police constituted the SIT for a fresh probe, which resulted in the arrest of two DYFI activists.
Published - July 25, 2026 12:10 am IST
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