Kerala Sessions Court Reserves Verdict on DYFI Leader's Bail Plea in 'Kafir' Screenshot Case

Prosecution opposed the bail plea, claiming that Jithin Bhaskaran tried to destroy crucial digital evidence from his phone. It was also pointed out that his custodial interrogation was necessary to continue the probe.

Published — July 01, 2026 02:35 pm IST — Kozhikode

By The Hindu Bureau

The Sessions Court in Kozhikode on Wednesday (July 1, 2026) reserved its order on the bail application filed by Jithin Bhaskaran, a Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader from Vadakara and the prime accused in the ‘kafir screenshot’ case, and posted it for judgment on July 3. The hearing in the case was completed on the day.

Though Mr. Bhaskaran had approached the court seeking bail on June 27, the hearing was postponed first to June 29, then to June 30, and later to July 1.

Prosecution’s Objections

During the hearing, the prosecution opposed the bail plea, claiming that Mr. Bhaskaran had tried to destroy crucial digital evidence from his phone. It was also pointed out that his custodial interrogation was necessary to continue the probe.

Defence Arguments

However, Mr. Bhaskaran’s counsel claimed this was “a politically motivated case” and that his client had already spent 14 days in judicial custody. The DYFI leader was also cooperating with the police investigation, the counsel claimed.

Remand Extended

Meanwhile, the Judicial First Class Magistrate’s Court, Vadakara, extended Mr. Bhaskaran’s remand period for another 14 days. This followed an application from the special investigation team (SIT) probing the case, saying that the remand period had ended on June 30. The Vadakara court had earlier rejected his bail plea.

At the same time, the Kozhikode Sessions Court is expected to hear an anticipatory bail plea filed by former DYFI leader Ribesh Ramakrishnan on July 3.

Background of the Case

The case pertains to the creation and circulation of a WhatsApp screenshot with alleged communal content that appeared on the eve of the 2024 Lok Sabha election in the Vadakara constituency, where United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Shafi Parambil was pitted against the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) K.K. Shailaja.

Though the police had closed the case citing lack of progress during the tenure of the LDF government, the UDF government formed the SIT for further probe after it came into power in the State in May 2026.

The SIT questioned Mr. Ramakrishnan, who is reported to have posted the screenshot first on social media, and came to the conclusion that it was Mr. Bhaskaran who passed it on to him.