Kerala Cyber Police register case against fake video of Chief Election Commissioner

November 22, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram: The Cyber Wing of the Kerala Police has registered a case after a fabricated social media post featuring a morphed image and edited video of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar circulated online ahead of the state’s local body elections.

The misleading content, first traced to the platform X, allegedly spread false information about the poll process. Police suspect the video may have been shared across multiple social media platforms, prompting intensified cyber surveillance.

Case Registered Amid Poll Preparations

Kerala is gearing up for its two-phase local body elections — with the first phase scheduled on December 9 in seven southern and central districts, and the second on December 11 in the remaining districts.

The state is simultaneously undergoing a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, making the circulation of such misleading content particularly sensitive.

Adding to the tension, the Kerala government, CPI-M, Congress, and IUML have all approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the SIR process, arguing that it is affecting the smooth conduct of the polls. The apex court, which has not stayed the process, will review the matter again next week.

Cyber Case Under BNS and IT Act

The Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police registered the case during routine cyber patrolling. The FIR has been filed against unidentified persons under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — including Section 197(1)(d) for publishing false or misleading statements, Sections 340(1) and 340(2) for creating and misusing forged electronic records — along with Section 66C of the IT Act, which deals with identity theft.

Officials confirmed that the post included morphed visual material aimed at misleading voters about the election process.

EC Flags Attempt to Undermine Poll Trust

With the election machinery already active, the Election Commission has expressed concern over attempts to create confusion or undermine trust in the democratic process.

Police are currently tracking the origin of the fabricated content and investigating whether it was part of an organised effort to influence the upcoming elections.