Two individuals were arrested on Friday, 17 April 2026, for circulating on WhatsApp a Vishu promotional poster of the Mehr Mandi & Grill restaurant that depicted a young Lord Krishna seated in front of a serving of “kuzhi manthi,” an Arabian non-vegetarian dish, as reported in Deccan Herald.
According to officials from the Cherthala police station, the accused were booked under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot. Police confirmed that their arrests were formally recorded.
The First Information Report stated that the poster was shared on WhatsApp with the alleged intention of hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindu community.
Police said the action came amid rising tensions in the area, with a Hindu organisation announcing a protest march to the restaurant later in the day. Authorities indicated that precautionary measures were being put in place to prevent any escalation or law and order issues.
Meanwhile, the restaurant owner issued a public apology over the controversy surrounding the poster. In a video message, he claimed that the design work had been outsourced to a third-party agency and claimed that the controversial imagery resulted from a lack of judgment on the part of those who created it.
🚨 A reminder for every Hindu! 🚨
Arshad, owner of Meher Mandi & Grills, has been ARRESTED by Kerala Police after using Lord Krishna’s image to promote non veg food on Vishu.
A big thank you to every Hindu brother and sister who stood firm and raised their voice. 🧡🚩
What’s… pic.twitter.com/RkwgxQts0p
— MAHARATHI (@MahaRathii) April 17, 2026
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