Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police have initiated a criminal investigation into a deceptive social media campaign that used the image of Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) Minister K M Shaji to spread misinformation regarding building permit costs.

The enforcement action was triggered by a formal complaint submitted on Friday by an associate of the minister. The fraudulent online graphic features a photograph of the LSGD Minister alongside a false declaration stating that the building permit fee hike, which came into effect a few years ago, has been withdrawn by the Department.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Kerala Police Act.

Investigators are currently mapping digital footprints to identify the source of the misinformation, which rapidly gained traction across digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
In addition, authorities revealed that a parallel investigation is actively underway regarding a separate misleading post targeting Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

PTI