Fake News Propaganda in the Name of Deshabhimani Continues on Social Media

Thiruvananthapuram: Fake cards using the name and logo of Deshabhimani — along with photographs of the Chief Minister and other leaders — are being circulated through social media. Deshabhimani General Manager K J Thomas and Resident Editor M Swaraj have previously filed complaints with the State Police Chief regarding the ongoing fake propaganda.

The fake cards are being circulated using Deshabhimani's logo, design, and format. The latest false claim being spread is that P A Muhammad Riyas and John Brittas will visit Narendra Modi to invite him to the LDF government's swearing-in ceremony.

Muslim League cyber centres are believed to be behind this disinformation campaign. Deshabhimani had earlier reported that the Muslim League had forcibly collected ₹12,000 each from disaster victims. Following that report, the League's cyber group continuously circulated fake cards in Deshabhimani's name — including one falsely claiming the paper had withdrawn the report and expressed regret. A similar fake card was also circulated purportedly carrying a statement by K T Jaleel.

Resident Editor M Swaraj's photograph was also misused. A fake image was first circulated suggesting that Sangh Parivar leader Prateesh Vishwanathan had visited Swaraj. Later, another fake card — again in Deshabhimani's name — was spread claiming Swaraj said the visit was out of friendship and should not be made controversial. Yet another fake card falsely claimed that only three houses in the Wayanad township had reported leakage.

A preliminary investigation has been launched based on the complaints filed with the State Police Chief. The probe is being led by Thampanoor SHO B Vinod Kumar, to whom the complaints were forwarded. The complaints were submitted along with the fake cards and links. Police have indicated that the disinformation campaign appears to be organised, and that they have received leads on those behind it.