Case registered over defamatory FB post on Sadikali Thangal

Kozhikode: The cyber police in Malappuram have registered case over an alleged defamatory Facebook post targeting IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by IUML, alleging an attempt to malign the party leader through false accusations and a morphed image. According to the FIR, the defamatory message was posted from the ID ‘Shan Shanu' on Sunday along with a fabricated photograph of Thangal. The post was soon removed and the account was also deleted. Police have registered case under sections 192 and 336 (1) of BNS, Section 66C of IT Act and Section 120 (o) of Kerala Police Act. Meanwhile, MYL state president Panakkad Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal said that the act was a politically motivated provocation as it is election season. He said that the posting of the defamatory post with a morphed image from a fake ID is also personally aimed at the Thangal family. Left-backed independent MLA K T Jaleel said that Sadikali Thangal is a person who is respected across party lines and added that people must remain vigilant against malicious attempts to defame such a respected figure in society. Jaleel added that Sadikali Thangal has earned a place in his mind through his dignified conduct and noble approach. "I have criticized him politically, and that criticism will continue. But I have never engaged in character assassination, nor will I ever do so," he said. Jaleel added, "The AI-generated images circulating on social media againstThangal are completely fake. Those who resort to such methods to malign any respectable individual are committing an unforgivable wrongdoing."