Police have registered a case against vlogger Amrith Singh Darren over alleged communal remarks in an Instagram video about Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi, Keralam. The case was registered by Fort Kochi police under Sections 353(2) and 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions relating to statements likely to cause public mischief and provocation with intent to cause a riot.
According to the first information report (FIR), Darren allegedly shared the video and made remarks knowing that his actions could disturb public peace and trigger clashes between two religious communities.
The video, which went viral on social media, prompted reactions both supporting and opposing his claims, with several users from Keralam criticising the content.
In the video, Darren allegedly claimed that the cafe, named after Kashi, a Hindu religious site, served beef despite being located in an area predominantly inhabited by Muslims. He also claimed that a silver statue of Muhammad Ali Jinnah had been installed alongside a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the cafe.
The FIR alleged that the remarks were made in a manner that could create hatred and animosity between religious communities. The case was registered following a complaint filed by a Fort Kochi resident.
However, the Gandhi-Jinnah installation is an artwork created years ago by prominent artist Riyas Komu. The artwork explores the lives of two leaders from Gujarat, their struggle against foreign rule and the Partition that followed. The installation has drawn renewed attention following the circulation of Darren's video.
KERALAM CM CONDEMNS VIDEO
Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan strongly condemned the video, asserting that communal hatred had no place in the state and that attempts to spread misinformation and divide communities were unacceptable.
In a post on X, Satheesan said, "Keralam stands united. Communal hatred has no place here. The recent Instagram video by a vlogger from outside the state, attempting to spread misinformation about Fort Kochi, portray our state in a negative light, and divide communities, is unacceptable".
He added that a case had been registered, and the law would take its course. Reaffirming the government's commitment to communal harmony, Satheesan said the UDF government would ensure justice without fear or favour.
"No room for hate. We will not allow anyone to even lay a finger on our communal harmony," he said.
The controversy has triggered a wider debate on social media, with users questioning the video's claims and its potential impact on communal relations in Keralam.
The police case centres on allegations that the video and the reactions it generated could disturb public order and foster hostility between religious communities.
The developments have once again brought attention to the responsibility of social media content creators to ensure that their claims do not contribute to communal tensions. The investigation will proceed in accordance with the law.
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