Kerala Police Book Social Media Influencer Amrit Singh Darren Over Communal Instagram Video

The Kerala Police registered a case against social media influencer Amrit Singh Darren on charges of creating enmity between different religious communities through an Instagram post on his handle. In a ten-video clip, Mr. Darren criticized the United Democratic Front government for allegedly accepting funding from Arab countries to promote Islam in Keralam and singled out Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. He also objected to a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah alongside Mahatma Gandhi at Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi, blamed the eatery for serving beef, and suggested renaming it Karachi Art Cafe.

Reactions and Controversy

Diya Krishna, another influencer and daughter of BJP leader G. Krishnakumar, commented "Sad Reality" on the post, later stating she had not watched the full video. Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan stated the video sought to portray the Muslim population in Fort Kochi as a threat. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan both condemned the video on social media, calling for strict legal action. DYFI national president A.A. Rahim accused the Sangh Parivar of outsourcing hate campaigns to online provocateurs.

Context

Kerala has a long-standing history of diverse communities living together peacefully, making social media content that targets religious harmony a major concern for local authorities. Law enforcement agencies frequently monitor online platforms to prevent hate speech from sparking real-world tensions.