Fri Nov 22 07:28:18 UTC 2024: ## Kerala IAS Officer Faces Police Inquiry Over “Communally Divisive” WhatsApp Group
**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** A preliminary police inquiry has been launched against suspended IAS officer K. Gopalakrishnan for allegedly creating a WhatsApp group named “Mallu Hindu,” deemed “communally divisive” by authorities. The inquiry, confirmed by Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Sparjan Kumar, follows public complaints and legal advice. The investigation is being led by the Assistant Commissioner of the Narcotic Cell and is expected to conclude within 10 days.
Gopalakrishnan, former Director of Industries, was already suspended on November 11th following an inquiry by Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, who found him prima facie guilty of fomenting division within the All India Service cadre. The government accused him of creating communal formations within the bureaucracy.
Gopalakrishnan initially claimed his phone was hacked and the group created without his knowledge. However, a police cyber cell investigation found no evidence of hacking and concluded he had repeatedly factory-reset his phone before handing it over for examination. This action could lead to further charges of destroying evidence.
Depending on the findings of the inquiry, Gopalakrishnan may face charges including fomenting enmity between groups and violating the IT Act. The opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has seized on the controversy, accusing the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) of allowing Hindu right-wing groups to influence the bureaucracy.
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