Kerala police have filed an FIR against BJP MP and animal activist Maneka Gandhi for her provocative statements in connection with the killing of a pregnant elephant in the state.
FIR:
Malappuram district police chief Abdul Karim IPS confirmed to The Quint that following a complaint from a person called Latheef, an FIR has been registered under section 153 of the Indian Penal Code (want only giving provocation with intent to cause riot.)
THE MATTER :
On Wednesday, 3 June, the former union minister in an interview with ANI claimed that Malappuram was the ‘most violent district’ in the country.
“Every week an elephant dies of beating in Kerala. They should sack the Chief Wildlife Warden. They should arrest everyone they suspect in Malappuram because they are repeat offenders,” she said.However, the incident took place in Mannarkkad in Palakkad district and not in Malappuram. The district forest officer confirmed the same to The Quint.
K Raju, the Minister of Forests, Wildlife Protection, Animal Husbandry had also clarified the same and assured strict action against the offenders.
COMMUNAL DEBATE :
These comments had sparked a communal debate on social media with many tweeting offensive messages against the particular community.
Gandhi even slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is the MP from Kerala’s Wayanad district, which is at a different location.
Several Twitter users and celebrities called out the communal propaganda.
Diamond Thoughts 