Kozhikode: Senior Congress leader and KPCC Political Affairs Committee member N. Subramanian was taken into police custody on Saturday following a controversy linked to the circulation of an allegedly distorted image featuring Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold heist case.
Officials from the Chevayur police station detained Subramanian from his residence and registered a case against him under legal provisions related to promoting enmity and causing public mischief. According to the police, the social media post in question had the potential to trigger communal disharmony, though they clarified that Subramanian was eligible for station bail.
The case stems from a post shared on social media in which Subramanian circulated images purportedly showing the Chief Minister in the company of Potti. The post included a caption questioning an alleged “deep connection” between the two, which soon drew sharp reactions from the ruling CPI(M).
It was CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan who first raised objections to the post, alleging that the image was artificially generated using AI tools and circulated deliberately to mislead the public and incite unrest. Based on these allegations, police initiated an inquiry into the origin and intent behind the post.
Soon after he was taken into custody, Subramanian reportedly experienced physical discomfort and was taken to a hospital for medical examination before further police procedures were carried out.
AI Generated Image Controversy Kerala Triggers Police Investigation
Following repeated claims by CPI(M) leaders that the image was fabricated using artificial intelligence, the Chevayur police formally registered a case and took Subramanian into custody as part of the investigation. A police team led by the Circle Inspector is currently handling the probe.
Police officials stated that Subramanian had uploaded two images as part of the social media post and had later deleted one of them, a factor that is now under close scrutiny. Investigators are examining whether the deletion was intentional and whether the images were altered or misleading.
Subramanian, however, rejected the allegations and maintained that the action taken against him was politically motivated. He asserted that the image he shared was merely a screenshot from a video released by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and not an AI-generated or manipulated picture.
Opposition Leaders Cry Foul, Allege Selective Targeting
The police action drew strong reactions from senior Congress leaders. AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal described the move as strange and accused the authorities of selectively applying the law.
Venugopal alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a similar approach when it comes to using investigative agencies against political opponents. While stressing that the Congress party respects the rule of law, he questioned why similar urgency was not shown in arresting those directly involved in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case.
Former Kerala Home Minister and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala also weighed in, stating that the party would challenge the police action on both legal and political grounds, calling it an attempt to intimidate the opposition.
Subramanian himself said he was uncertain whether the police would proceed with a formal arrest but added that he was prepared to face jail if necessary, reiterating that he had acted without malicious intent.
AI Generated Image Controversy Kerala Sparks Wider Political Fallout
The episode has sparked intense political debate across Kerala. While CPI(M) leaders defended the police action, arguing that firm measures are required to curb the spread of fake and AI-generated images capable of disturbing public order, opposition parties strongly criticised the move.
Opposition leaders alleged that the case reflects an effort to suppress free expression and intimidate political opponents through law enforcement action. The controversy has once again brought the issue of AI-generated content in political discourse into sharp focus, especially as authorities increase scrutiny of social media activity.
The situation took a fresh turn when another image allegedly showing former Devaswom Minister and senior CPI(M) MLA Kadakampally Surendran with Unnikrishnan Potti began circulating on social media platforms. This development has added a new layer to the controversy and further intensified the political fallout across the state.
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