Kerala Police Investigate Fake Campaign Against CM's Relief Appeal

The Kerala police have initiated an investigation into a social media campaign targeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's appeal for help after landslides in Wayanad. The police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Disaster Management Act, warning of strict legal action against those spreading fake posts.

The Kerala police have launched an investigation into an alleged social media campaign against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Facebook post requesting assistance for landslide-affected people in Wayanad district.

The State Police Media Centre (SPMC) stated on Thursday that the Wayanad Cybercrime police have registered a case under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Disaster Management Act. The probe focuses on an alleged campaign aiming to obstruct relief efforts.

According to the SPMC, the fake campaign was circulated on the social media platform X from a handle named 'Koyikodans 2.0'. The post intended to demotivate people from contributing to the CM's disaster relief appeal. The police warned of strict legal action against those who create and spread such fake posts. Cyber police have intensified social media monitoring in response. Vijayan had called for contributions to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) to support those affected by the landslides.

The landslides, triggered by torrential rains, struck Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha hamlets early on Tuesday, resulting in multiple fatalities, including women and children.

(With inputs from agencies.)