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A controversy has erupted in Kerala surrounding a WhatsApp group named 'Mallu Hindu Officers,' allegedly administered by K. Gopalakrishnan, the Director of the state's Industry and Commerce Department. The group, comprised of 11 Hindu IAS officers, has drawn significant attention and prompted an investigation by the state government. The controversy began when the alleged administrator of the group, Gopalakrishnan, reported his phone had been hacked, claiming the creation of the group was not his doing.
The issue came to light last week when officials alerted Gopalakrishnan to the existence of the group. Subsequently, the account associated with the group disappeared. Gopalakrishnan then filed a complaint with the Cyber wing of the Kerala Police, alleging that his phone had been hacked and requesting an investigation into the matter. The timing of the alleged hacking, coinciding with the emergence of the group, has raised suspicions, leading to speculations about the nature and purpose of the group.
The incident has generated significant buzz in the state's political circles, with many questioning the implications of an exclusive group of IAS officers based on religious lines. The controversy has also fueled discussions about the potential for sectarian conduct within the state bureaucracy. In response to the controversy, the state's Chief Secretary, Sarada Muraleedharan, is expected to seek an explanation from Gopalakrishnan regarding the group's creation and purpose.
P. Rajeeve, the State Industries Minister under whom Gopalakrishnan works, has acknowledged the controversy, stating that the government is taking the issue seriously and will conduct a thorough examination. The minister also pointed out media reports about the existence of a similar group consisting of Muslim officials, indicating an intention to investigate the nature and purpose of both groups. The minister's response suggests a potential for a broader investigation into the potential for sectarian bias within the state's civil service.
The controversy has also been linked to the recent trend of increased affiliation towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala. Notably, several former top police officials, including a lady IPS officer, have joined the BJP. This shift in political allegiance has led to concerns about the influence of the BJP within the state's security apparatus. Additionally, the Leader of Opposition, V. D. Satheesan, raised concerns about a secret meeting held by ADGP Ajith Kumar with two top RSS officials, adding further fuel to the fire of political controversy in the state.
The incident involving the 'Mallu Hindu Officers' WhatsApp group has highlighted a potential for sectarian bias and political influence within the Kerala bureaucracy. The ongoing investigation by the state government is expected to shed light on the nature and purpose of the group, as well as the broader issue of political and religious affiliations within the state's civil service. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the future of the state's bureaucracy and its neutrality in the face of rising political and religious tensions.
Source: "We Will Examine", Says Kerala Minister On IAS Officer's Controversial Group