Kerala Vishu Poster Row Two Arrested Over Krishna Image Controversy

Two individuals have been arrested in Alappuzha after a controversy erupted over a Vishu promotional poster that allegedly hurt religious sentiments.

The arrests were made in connection with sharing the poster on WhatsApp, which depicted Lord Krishna alongside a non-vegetarian dish.

Poster Sparks Outrage on Social Media

The promotional poster, created for a restaurant during the Vishu festival, showed a young depiction of Lord Krishna seated before a serving of ‘kuzhi manthi’, an Arabian non-vegetarian dish.

The image quickly went viral on social media, leading to strong reactions and complaints from members of the public.

Police Register Case Under BNS Provisions

According to police officials, the accused have been booked under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with provocation intended to cause unrest.

Authorities stated that the action was taken after complaints alleging that the content hurt religious sentiments.

Restaurant Owner Blames Third Party

In response to the controversy, the eatery’s owner claimed that the design work for the poster had been outsourced to a third party.

He stated that the controversial imagery was created without proper judgment and was not intended to offend religious beliefs.

Religious Sensitivity and Digital Content

The incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in promotional content, especially during religious festivals.

With social media amplifying reach, even a single image can trigger widespread reactions and legal consequences.

Growing Scrutiny on Online Content

Authorities are increasingly monitoring digital platforms for content that may lead to public unrest or offend religious sentiments.

Such cases underline the need for careful review of marketing and promotional materials.

What Happens Next

Further investigation is underway, and legal proceedings will determine the extent of responsibility.

The case is expected to contribute to ongoing discussions around freedom of expression and responsible content creation.