‘Not dog, madrasa’: Cop issues inflammatory Onam post against Muslims

Thodupuzha: Protests are mounting against Thodupuzha police Sub-Inspector K. Vijesh in Keralam, over allegations that he posted a highly communal and derogatory remark targeting a Muslim religious community on social media.

The officer reportedly shared CCTV footage showing a woman accidentally knocking over a "pookkalam" (floral decoration) on a pathway and accompanied it with a post containing allegedly inflammatory references aimed at Muslims. The footage was reportedly from an older incident in another location and was circulated in a misleading context. The post included a comment suggesting that the pookkalam was vandalised not by a dog but a "madrasa".

The post drew strong public criticism, after which Vijesh removed the original content and later issued an explanation in another social media post.

The incident has sparked particular outrage because the allegation involves a police officer entrusted with maintaining law and order and protecting members of the public. Critics have questioned how an officer holding such responsibilities could publish material allegedly capable of creating communal hostility and social tension.

The Muslim Youth League has formally complained to senior police officials, demanding stringent legal action against Vijesh over the alleged communal remarks. The organisation has also sought a departmental inquiry into his conduct, arguing that the matter cannot be treated lightly, given his position as a public servant responsible for maintaining communal harmony.

The controversy has consequently raised wider concerns over the conduct and accountability of police personnel on social media. Calls are growing for authorities to establish whether the officer violated service rules or other legal provisions through the alleged post and to take appropriate action if the allegations are substantiated.