A major political and administrative row has erupted in Kerala after Alathur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) R. Manoj Kumar posted a controversial WhatsApp status criticizing President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. The post, which alleged a breach of ritual protocol and violation of High Court guidelines, was deleted within 20 minutes but not before screenshots went viral, triggering outrage across political and religious circles.
The Palakkad District Police Chief has issued a show-cause notice to the DySP, demanding a detailed explanation. The officer has since claimed that the post was uploaded “inadvertently” while he was traveling by train and that it was based on a forwarded message. However, the explanation has failed to quell the controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announcing a statewide protest march demanding disciplinary action and accusing the officer of “insulting the dignity of the President and the sanctity of Sabarimala.”
🧠 Key Highlights of the Controversy
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Officer Involved | R. Manoj Kumar, DySP, Alathur |
| Controversial Post | WhatsApp status alleging ritual breach by President |
| President’s Visit | October 22, 2025, Sabarimala Temple |
| Police Action | Show-cause notice issued by Palakkad SP |
| DySP’s Clarification | Claimed post was accidental, deleted within 20 minutes |
| BJP’s Response | Announced protest march, demands suspension |
The incident has reignited debates over freedom of expression, official conduct, and religious sensitivities in public service.
📊 Timeline of Events Surrounding the DySP’s Remark
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 22 | President Murmu visits Sabarimala Temple |
| October 22 (late night) | DySP posts controversial WhatsApp status |
| October 23 | Post deleted; screenshots circulate online |
| October 23 | Show-cause notice issued by Palakkad SP |
| October 24 | BJP announces protest march |
The DySP’s post reportedly questioned why political parties had not staged a ‘nama japam’ protest, a form of religious chanting often used in demonstrations.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Leaders, Police Officials, and Public
- BJP State President: “This is not just a breach of conduct but an insult to the President of India. We demand immediate suspension.”
- Kerala Home Department Official: “The matter is under review. Departmental action will be taken based on the DySP’s explanation.”
- Public Sentiment: Divided between those defending the officer’s right to opinion and those calling for strict action.
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP Leaders | Demanding suspension and public apology |
| Police Department | Awaiting DySP’s formal explanation |
| Opposition Parties | Accusing BJP of politicizing the issue |
| Civil Society | Debating limits of free speech in uniform |
The controversy has also sparked discussions on social media conduct by government officials.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Past Controversies Involving Police Remarks on Religious Matters
| Year | Officer/Location | Issue Raised | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | DySP, Tamil Nadu | Remarks on temple entry norms | Transferred |
| 2023 | Inspector, Karnataka | Facebook post on Eid celebrations | Suspended |
| 2025 | DySP, Alathur, Kerala | WhatsApp status on Sabarimala visit | Under inquiry, protest planned |
Such incidents highlight the tightrope public servants walk between personal expression and professional neutrality.
🧭 What to Watch in the Coming Days
- Departmental Action: Whether the DySP faces suspension or transfer
- BJP’s Protest March: Scale, participation, and political messaging
- Public Discourse: Legal boundaries of expression for uniformed officers
- Religious Sentiment: Impact on Sabarimala’s ritual protocols and public perception
The outcome of this controversy may set a precedent for digital conduct policies within India’s police forces.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified media reports, official statements, and public commentary as of October 23, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute legal advice, political endorsement, or religious interpretation and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
