DYFI national president Rahim files police complaint over 'Kafir' screenshot smear campaign

Several leaders, including then CPI(M) legislator K.K. Lathika, had shared the controversial screenshot on social media during the peak of the high-octane election campaign in Vadakara.

Published - June 22, 2026 10:14 am IST — Thiruvananthapuram

The Hindu Bureau

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) national president and MP A.A. Rahim has approached the State police demanding an investigation into what he describes as a viral social media “smear campaign” against him. The controversy stems from a communally sensitive “Kafir screenshot” that portrayed Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] candidate K.K. Shailaja as a non-believer during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Vadakara.

Background of the Case

• Last week, the Kozhikode police arrested and remanded in judicial custody Jithin Bhaskar, a DYFI leader who administers the local WhatsApp group Vadakara Squad.
• Bhaskar was arrested for allegedly orchestrating a communally divisive campaign aimed at consolidating Hindu votes in favour of Ms. Shailaja, in a move that critics say was designed to undermine the chances of her rival, Congress leader Shafi Parambil.
• Pro-Congress and United Democratic Front (UDF) social media handles subsequently targeted Mr. Rahim, accusing him of employing underhanded tactics to create a schismatically communal narrative in the Vadakara constituency by starkly juxtaposing the religious backgrounds of the opposing candidates.

Rahim’s Response

Mr. Rahim filed a complaint with the Medical College Police in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding an enquiry. In a Facebook post on Monday, he stated that he would contest the smear campaign both politically and legally, and suggested that more police complaints and lawyers’ notices would follow.

Political Fallout

The arrest of Mr. Bhaskar has seemingly put the CPI(M) on the defensive. Several party leaders, including then CPI(M) legislator K.K. Lathika, had shared the controversial screenshot on social media during the peak of the election campaign in Vadakara.

Previous Investigation Under LDF Government

Under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, the Kozhikode police had investigated Muhammad Kasim, a Muslim Student Federation (MSF) leader, in connection with a defamatory and communally divisive online campaign. However, the probe—initiated based on a complaint by a CPI(M) sympathiser—ended without result, as the police failed to uncover any cognisable evidence against Mr. Kasim. The investigation was subsequently closed.

Revival of Investigation Under UDF Government

The United Democratic Front (UDF) government resurrected the investigation following a complaint by Parakkal Abdullah, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA for Kuttiyadi Assembly Constituency. Abdullah accused the previous LDF government of disregarding a High Court directive to reinvestigate the case, including confiscating digital devices such as mobile phones from the parties involved for cyber forensic analysis.

In response, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala ordered an investigation by the District Police Chief (Kozhikode Rural), T. Farash. The police subsequently arrested Mr. Bhaskar and seized his mobile phones for forensic examination. Officials stated that the investigation would soon extend to political leaders who shared and actively promoted the “Kafir screenshot” on social media.