In a concerning incident, Akhila Nandakumar, the chief reporter of Asianet News, has been booked by the Kerala Police for merely reporting on alleged malpractices involving members of the Left-backed Students’ Federation of India (SFI) at Maharaja’s College. This move by the communist government in Kerala has drawn widespread criticism, especially since the government had positioned itself as a champion of freedom of speech on a global scale.
The controversy unfolded when two members affiliated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Kerala, ‘Comrade’ Divya and ‘Comrade’ Arsho, became embroiled in serious allegations.
Divya, an SFI activist, has been accused of fabricating documents. One document falsely claimed that she served as a temporary teacher at Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam from 2018 to 2021. However, investigations revealed that the document contained a forged signature and seal of the college principal.
In the case of Arsho, a leader of SFI in Kerala, he stands accused of passing a university examination without actually appearing for it. It is worth noting that during the examination period, he was in custody for his involvement in an attempted murder case. These allegations against Comrade Arsho raise concerns about the ethical conduct of CPI-affiliated individuals holding positions of influence.
Critics argue that such cases expose the party’s willingness to go to great lengths to support its members, even resorting to fraudulent practices. The misuse of government influence is a significant cause for alarm, as it undermines the fundamental principles of fairness and transparency necessary for a healthy democracy. While the cases involving Comrade Divya and Comrade Arsho have garnered attention, they may only scratch the surface of a broader issue.
In a recent development that further adds to the controversy, Kochi City Police, in a blatant violation of press freedom, has implicated Akhila Nandakumar, the chief reporter of Asianet News, in a conspiracy case. This action was based on a complaint lodged by SFI State Secretary PM Arsho. Shockingly, the complaint was taken at face value, and Akhila Nandakumar was booked without even conducting a preliminary investigation.
The police have leveled conspiracy charges against the journalist, who had visited the college campus to bring information regarding the forgery case to the public’s attention. The swift registration of the case and the involvement of a special investigation team by the state home department, prompted by the complaint of the SFI state secretary, have raised concerns about the impartiality and fairness of the investigation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists’ rights to report on matters of public interest without fear of reprisal. The booking of Akhila Nandakumar not only raises questions about the credibility of the charges but also reinforces the critical role of a free press in holding those in power accountable. The incident demands a thorough examination and calls for safeguarding the principles of democracy, transparency, and freedom of speech.