Grade SI suspended in Idukki for sharing ‘anti-Muslim’ post

District Police Chief A. Naseem has suspended a police officer for sharing on social media an ‘anti-Muslim’ post. The suspended official has been identified as Vijesh K., a grade sub-inspector attached to the Thodupuzha police station in Idukki.

The officer shared a video on his Facebook account depicting the destruction of an Athapookkalam (floral carpet), accompanied by comments allegedly targeting the Muslim community. The video had recently gone viral on social media, purportedly showing a young woman wearing a hijab kicking an Athapookkalam.

The video was circulated alongside claims that the incident occurred in Ernakulam district. In his post, Vijesh alleged that while the Pookkalam was initially believed to have been damaged by a dog, CCTV footage had revealed otherwise, adding remarks directed against the community.

Following the incident, the Muslim Youth League filed a formal complaint with the Thodupuzha police demanding action against the officer. The District Police Chief subsequently directed the Thodupuzha Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP) to submit an inquiry report. Based on the findings, the officer was placed under suspension on Friday night.

In the suspension order, the District Police Chief noted that an internal verification confirmed the officer had shared the derogatory post. “This is a serious violation on his part, and such an act damages the reputation of the police force,” the order stated. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against the officer, with the Munnar Dy.SP directed to lead the probe and submit a report within three months.