Legal Action Follows Viral Social Media Post

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against social media influencer and Uttar Pradesh-based YouTuber Amrit Singh Darren, accusing him of attempting to create enmity between religious communities. The case invokes multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The police action was triggered by an Instagram video uploaded by Darren, in which he criticized the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) administration. In the clip, the vlogger alleged that the state government accepted foreign funding from Arab nations to promote Islam in Kerala. Furthermore, he claimed that a prominent cafe in Fort Kochi—named after the holy city of Kashi—displayed a statue of Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, while serving beef.

Political Reactions and Condemnations

The video quickly drew sharp rebukes from high-ranking political figures in the state, including Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan and other senior leaders who condemned the remarks as a deliberate attempt to mar communal harmony.

"Keralam stands united. Communal hatred has no place here," Satheesan stated in a public post. Referring to the controversy, he confirmed that formal legal action had been initiated and emphasized that the "law will take its course."

State Home authorities echoed these sentiments, defending the FIR as a necessary measure against the propagation of falsehoods and the stoking of regional and communal tensions. Officials stressed that freedom of expression does not extend to inciting hatred or disturbing public peace.

BJP Slams 'Selective Secularism'

The police case has ignited a fierce political counter-offensive from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar sharply criticized the state leadership, accusing them of practicing "selective secularism."

While acknowledging that Kerala belongs to all Malayalees who have the right to determine their culture, food, and traditions, Chandrasekhar asserted that the state remains an integral part of India. He argued that the administration frequently overlooks sentiments that challenge pro-India or Hindu perspectives.

"Do not encourage anti-India, anti-Hindu sentiment like Jinnah worship. In that, you will have our support. But selective secularism and selective talk of communal harmony will make you like every other fake politician before you," Chandrasekhar stated, questioning the government's consistency on religious sensitivities.

As the investigation proceeds, the incident has amplified broader debates surrounding freedom of speech, online content regulation, and political accountability within the state.