Jebi Mather alleges ‘targeted cyber attack’ after backing Adoor Prakash, files complaint

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP Jebi Mather has alleged that her social media accounts have been subjected to a sustained cyber attack over the past three days, following her support for UDF convener Adoor Prakash’s criticism of the Kerala government.

Mather on Monday said she has approached the state Home Minister and Kerala Police chief over the alleged attacks. According to her, the police chief has assured her that the complaint would be examined.

The MP said the online attacks began after she backed Prakash over his remarks that major decisions were being taken by the state government without adequate consultation. Prakash had also alleged that UDF meetings were not being held regularly and that he was learning about important developments through the media.

Mather described what she was facing as a “targeted and organised cyber attack”, alleging that a group was attempting to dictate how Congress leaders should respond to political issues.

“Some people were dictating things from somewhere,” she said, adding that she would not allow such pressure to determine her political position.

Mather rules out backing down

Mather said she normally ignores or deletes abusive posts and other online attacks but chose to pursue the matter this time because she believed there was an organised effort behind them.

She also described the campaign as “digital lynching by a digital syndicate” and said she would not be intimidated into changing her political stance.

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Mather said she was confident that the Kerala Police would identify both those allegedly carrying out the attacks and those directing them, and take appropriate action.

On Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, she said she had not been able to speak to him directly as he was unwell, but had communicated with his staff.

Mather says V D Satheesan not behind attacks

Mather also rejected any suggestion that Kerala Chief Minister and senior Congress leader V D Satheesan was connected to the alleged cyber attacks.

She pointed to Satheesan’s repeated statements that he does not have a social media team and said she did not believe he had any involvement in the matter.

Mather said the issue should be left to the police to investigate and establish the facts.

Sunny Joseph condemns cyber attacks

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sunny Joseph said cyber attacks against anyone could not be justified, while also defending party workers’ right to express their views.

“Cyber attack against anyone is not right,” Joseph told reporters in Delhi. At the same time, he said party workers should have the freedom to express their opinions.

Joseph also advised Congress leaders to refrain from taking internal party disagreements into the public domain, warning that such statements could hurt both the party and the individuals involved.

With PTI inputs