Kerala Cyber Police Takes Action Against Fake Election Commissioner Video
The Kerala cyber police has registered a formal case after a fabricated video featuring Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar began circulating on social media platforms. This development comes as the state prepares for upcoming local body elections, raising concerns about election-related misinformation campaigns.
Officials confirmed that the Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police filed the case on Saturday, November 22, 2025, after discovering the misleading content during routine cyber patrolling operations conducted the previous day.
Details of the Fabricated Content
The fraudulent video, which initially appeared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), contained both a fabricated photograph and an edited video segment featuring Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police authorities suspect that the same manipulated content may have been distributed across multiple social media platforms to maximize its reach and impact.
According to the official statement released to PTI, the video specifically pertained to the forthcoming local body elections in Kerala, though authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the false claims made in the content.
Legal Action and Charges Filed
The case has been registered against unknown individuals under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The specific charges include:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 197(1)(d) for publishing or making false or misleading statements
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 340(1) related to forged documents or electronic records
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 340(2) for dishonestly using forged documents or electronic records
- Information Technology Act Section 66C addressing identity theft
The comprehensive legal action demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case of election-related misinformation.
Enhanced Cyber Security Measures
In response to the incident and considering the imminent local body elections, Kerala police have significantly strengthened their cyber patrolling activities. Police officials stated that this enhanced monitoring is specifically designed to counter the potential circulation of misleading online content that could influence the electoral process.
As part of these intensified efforts, several false propaganda photos and videos circulating on online platforms have been removed in recent days, according to the PTI report. The proactive measures aim to maintain the integrity of the election process and prevent the spread of misinformation that could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
The timing of this incident highlights growing concerns about digital misinformation campaigns targeting election processes across India, with Kerala taking preemptive steps to address these challenges through legal action and enhanced cyber surveillance.
