Indian police charge Hindu leader over anti-Muslim social media post
Police accuse Hindu supremacist leader of linking Muslims to terrorism and drug trafficking, alleging post promoted religious hatred and communal hostility
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Police in the southern Indian state of Kerala have filed criminal charges against the leader of a Hindu extremist organization after he used a social media post to portray Muslims as being linked to terrorism and drug trafficking, authorities said.
The case was registered against RV Babu, the Kerala state president of the Hindu Aikya Vedi, a right-wing Hindu organization, following a complaint accusing him of making inflammatory remarks during the state’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, “Operation Toofan.”
According to police, Babu’s Facebook post allegedly associated the Muslim community with narcotics trafficking and terrorism, prompting investigators to open a case on suspicion that the remarks could incite religious hatred and disturb public order.
A senior police officer said an investigation had been launched after authorities received a formal complaint alleging that the post promoted enmity between religious communities.
The complaint was filed by Ashraf Vazhakkala, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party, who argued that the allegations against Muslims were entirely baseless and capable of fueling communal tensions.
Police said the social media post is being examined as part of the investigation and that Babu will be summoned for questioning.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, India’s criminal code, and the Kerala Police Act, which contain offenses related to promoting hatred between communities, insulting religious sentiments and acts that could threaten public order.
The incident comes amid continuing concern over the spread of anti-Muslim rhetoric on social media in India, where rights groups have documented repeated instances of Muslims being collectively portrayed by Hindu nationalist figures as security threats or criminals without evidence.
Such narratives, activists say, contribute to discrimination and deepen religious polarization.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
