Satheesan warns of strict action over cyber attacks on late journalist and family

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has warned of strict legal action against those who allegedly posted abusive and defamatory comments targeting senior journalist Jijo John Puthenzheth and his family after his death.

Describing the online attacks as deeply distressing, Satheesan said organised attempts to spread hatred and falsehoods against a deceased journalist, or any individual, amounted to a serious blow to Kerala’s social values.

“What humanity do those who spread hatred from identifiable and anonymous IDs speak of? What human values do they speak of?” the Chief Minister said in a social media post.

Jijo, 54, who was associated with the Kochi unit of Malayala Manorama, died of cardiac arrest on Wednesday morning. Abusive comments targeting him and his family began circulating on social media soon after news of his death emerged.

Satheesan said the matter would be even more serious if the attacks were motivated by political hostility over Jijo’s earlier investigative reports.

“Insulting a journalist for performing his professional duty, and continuing to insult him even after his death because of political hostility, is wholly unbecoming of a democratic society,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the government would examine the matter seriously based on complaints submitted by the Ernakulam Press Club and Jijo’s friends.

“Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible without any compromise,” Satheesan said, adding that such “despicable and cruel” cyber attacks would not be tolerated against anyone.

Jijo was known for his investigative journalism and reporting on politics and governance. Some of his reports, including those critical of the Left and the CPI-M, had drawn political opposition.

His work also earned him national recognition. He received the Ramnath Goenka Award in 2015 and produced several investigative reports that attracted attention across the country.

In a condolence message following Jijo’s death, Satheesan recalled his personal association with the journalist. He said he had left for work after reading a report bearing Jijo’s byline that morning, but learnt of his death after attending a Cabinet meeting.

The Chief Minister described Jijo as not only a senior journalist but also a fellow townsman and close friend. He said he had met him only a few days before his death.

The online abuse has sparked a wider debate in Kerala over the limits of political hostility and public discourse. While journalists’ reports and professional methods can be criticised, the reaction to Jijo’s death has raised questions over whether political differences should ever be allowed to override basic standards of decency.

(Inputs from IANS)