Kozhikode: The investigation into the cyberattacks targeting the family of Arjun, a Kannadikkal native who tragically died in the Shiroor landslide, has intensified. Kozhikode police have taken action against six YouTubers who allegedly incited communal hatred through their content. Additionally, legal scrutiny is extending to individuals who posted inflammatory comments on YouTube videos shared by lorry owner Manaf, though he will no longer face charges.
Initially, Manaf was named in the FIR as part of a preliminary inquiry, but police have now clarified that he will be excluded from legal proceedings. Arjun’s family did not request a case against Manaf, instead focusing their complaint on the hateful comments that appeared on his YouTube channel. Despite Manaf’s name being linked to the case, the investigation revealed that he had not actively posted or encouraged abusive content targeting Arjun’s family. As a result, Manaf has been cleared but will act as a witness in the case.
Meanwhile, Kozhikode cyber police have sought key data from Google, including the email addresses, phone numbers, and IP addresses of those believed to be behind the cyberattacks. This information will aid in prosecuting those responsible for the communal hate speech directed at Arjun’s grieving family.
The case was filed based on a complaint by Arjun’s sister, Anju, who highlighted the unbearable nature of the hateful messages. While Manaf has publicly apologized for not removing the offensive content sooner, he also urged that the attacks stop immediately and pledged his support to the family during this challenging time. Legal action is expected soon against several YouTubers involved in spreading the hateful content.
