Vadakara: Accusations have been levelled against the police for their lackadaisical approach in addressing the issue surrounding the Vadakara communal WhatsApp message that surfaced on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections in the state.

As both the LDF and UDF trade allegations and explanations, concerns mount that the matter could stoke unrest. Investigations into the two cases registered by Vadakara police regarding the contentious WhatsApp messages are progressing slowly.

On the evening of April 25, a screenshot allegedly from the WhatsApp group of Thiruvalloor Nedumbramanna Youth League surfaced on social media. The WhatsApp message, infused with communal undertones, urged votes for Shafi Parambil, the UDF candidate.

The message was purportedly circulated under the name of MSF leader P K Muhammad Kasim. The LDF promptly lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and the police against Kasim.

However, both the Youth League and Kasim denied any involvement, asserting that no such WhatsApp group existed and that the message was fabricated and disseminated. They also filed a police complaint on the matter. According to the Youth League's complaint, the contentious message initially appeared on the ‘Ambadimukku Sakhakkal’ Facebook page before disappearing within 15 minutes.

The same night, the police registered complaints filed by both the LDF and Youth League.

According to Kasim and the Youth League, the police informed them that there was no evidence linking the former to the alleged offence, and his phone was checked thrice.

Regarding the Youth League's complaint, police maintained that additional information needs to be sought from Meta and Facebook, and an application has been filed for the same.

Meanwhile, Kasim has lodged another complaint urging action against those responsible for spreading false propaganda using his name. Similarly, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation, Parakkal Abdullah, state secretary of the Muslim League, has threatened to file a private litigation if an FIR is not filed within three days. The UDF has also announced plans for a satyagraha in front of the rural SP office if the real culprits of the issue have not been found within three days.