WhatsApp Poster Controversy Sparks Arrest in Cherthala

Two individuals were arrested on Friday for allegedly sharing a Vishu-day promotional poster on WhatsApp that depicted a young Lord Krishna alongside an Arabian non-vegetarian dish, 'kuzhi manthi'. The arrest was made under section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, related to wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot.

The Cherthala police station reported that the accused distributed the poster on social media with the apparent intent to hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. In response, authorities are taking preventive measures against potential unrest following a planned protest march by a Hindu organization to the restaurant involved.

The restaurant owner issued a public apology, explaining that the poster was generated by a third party, which acted without proper judgment. He clarified that the controversial image was not used in any official promotional activities or social media platforms of the restaurant.