Kerala Priest Taken Into Custody Over Alleged Insults Against Sri Narayana Guru

A temple priest was taken into custody by the Ernakulam Rural Cyber Police on Friday for allegedly making derogatory remarks online against saint-reformer Sri Narayana Guru, police said.

The case was registered following a complaint regarding a YouTube video in which the accused allegedly made objectionable remarks against Sri Narayana Guru, the Ezhava community and members associated with the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam.

Police identified the accused as K V Subash, a native of Muvattupuzha and the Tantri of a temple in the area. He was taken into custody as part of the investigation and is being questioned by the police.

According to the police, the remarks allegedly sought to insult and defame the dignity and reputation of Sri Narayana Guru and the community. They also alleged that the statements had the potential to disturb public peace and provoke hatred between communities.

The cyber police registered a case under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), officials said.

Police are currently interrogating Subash as part of the probe into the video and the circumstances surrounding the alleged remarks. His arrest will be formally recorded after the completion of the necessary procedures, officials said.

Sri Narayana Guru, a prominent social reformer from Kerala, played a significant role in challenging caste-based discrimination and advocating social equality and human dignity. His teachings and legacy continue to have a strong influence in Kerala, particularly among communities associated with the Sree Narayana movement.

The police investigation is continuing, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe, officials said.