The alleged attempt to defame Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal has taken a serious turn, with the police uncovering an extortion bid linked to the case.
The police have intensified the search for one Mohammed Roshan, a native of Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district of Kerala, in connection with the incident.
According to the police, a fake social media post circulated about a week ago to defame Mr. Thangal was part of a larger plan. The police said the post followed an earlier attempt to extort money using some doctored visuals of the IUML leader.
Mr. Roshan is accused of approaching Mr. Thangal’s nephew, Syed Mueenali Shihab Thangal, in January and demanding ₹15 crore to withhold allegedly sensitive visuals. The police said he is absconding and is believed to have left the district.
The case was registered after Mr. Mueenali Thangal filed a complaint with the District Police Chief. The police said they have collected evidence linking Mr. Roshan to the extortion and vilification attempts. In his complaint, Mr. Mueenali Thangal said the accused first demanded money and later issued threats to his life.
