Vishu Poster Row Escalates: Multiple Cases Filed in Kerala Over Objectionable Advertisement Featuring Lord Krishna

Kerala Vishu Poster Controversy: Another Case Registered in Malappuram; Three Muslims Arrested Over Poster Depicting Lord Krishna with a Non-Vegetarian Dish.

Controversy began in Alappuzha and spread to multiple districts, triggering protests online and on the ground and raising concerns over alleged Islamic Perpetrations hurting Hindu sentiments.

B Upendran | HENB | Malappuram | April 21, 2026:: A series of controversies surrounding Vishu-themed promotional posters has led to multiple police cases being registered across Kerala, with authorities investigating allegations that the imagery hurt Hindu sentiments and risked communal disharmony.

The latest case was registered in Malappuram district after a promotional poster depicting Lord Krishna alongside kuzhi mandi, a non-vegetarian Arabian dish, was circulated on social media. According to police officials, the poster was allegedly created as part of a marketing campaign for two restaurants—Arabian Majlis and Raydhan—both owned by Muslims—located in Parambilangadi, Kottakkal.

The Kottakkal police registered the case against unidentified individuals under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to provocation with intent to cause a riot. Authorities stated that the restaurant owners would be summoned for questioning, and efforts are underway to identify those responsible for creating and disseminating the poster.

Deccan Herald reports, “According to police, the issue came to light on Saturday, following which a case was registered against the owners of the restaurant Yamama Shawaya and its social media handler. They were later summoned to the Mankada police station, where their arrests were recorded before they were released on bail, officials said. Police identified the arrested persons as Musthafa Kunduvayil and Shahul Hameed, owners of the restaurant, and Muhammed Shahin, who handled its social media account”.

This incident follows similar cases reported in other parts of the state. Earlier, police in Cherthala (Alappuzha district) and Mankada registered cases linked to comparable posters, with some restaurant owners taken into custody.

In the Cherthala case, a restaurant owner identified as Arshad Asrafi, proprietor of Mehar Mandi & Grills near Manorama Junction, was arrested after a Vishu greeting poster showing Lord Krishna seated before a plate of chicken mandi sparked protests by Hindu organisations. A complaint filed by advocate M.V. Biju alleged that the depiction was offensive to religious sentiments.

Police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to deliberate and malicious acts intended to provoke communal disturbance, an offence that carries a potential prison term of up to one year.

Following the controversy, both Arshad Asrafi and managing partner Shamir issued a public apology via social media. They stated that the image had initially circulated within a private group and was inadvertently shared more widely due to miscommunication. They emphasized that there was no intention to offend religious sentiments and urged that the matter be allowed to settle.

Controversy began in Alappuzha and spread to multiple districts, triggering protests online and on the ground and raising concerns over alleged Islamic Perpetrations hurting Hindu sentiments.

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced protests in response to the incident, reflecting growing tensions surrounding the issue. Protests were reported both online and on the ground in affected areas.

In a related development, another controversial image surfaced online after the Cherthala incident, reportedly depicting a Muslim man eating pork in front of a mosque. Police confirmed that a separate case has been registered in connection with this image as well.

Questions Raised Over Possible Deliberate Provocation of Religious Sentiments in an organised way

Vishu, the traditional New Year festival of Malayalis in Kerala and neighbouring regions, is typically observed in mid-April and marks the sun’s transition into Mesha Rasi (Aries), symbolising renewal, prosperity, and new beginnings. The festival is closely associated with the Vishu Sadhya, a predominantly vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, reflecting long-standing cultural and religious practices.

In this context, recent instances in which promotional materials depicted Lord Baby Krishna alongside non-vegetarian dishes have drawn criticism from a large section of Hindu community, who view such portrayals as inappropriate and offensive as perpetrated by Muslim restaurants/food-outlet owners. While some have questioned whether these incidents indicate a deliberate attempt to provoke religious sentiments in an organised way, authorities have not established evidence of any coordinated intent and continue to investigate each case individually. Now it is clear that certain anti-Hindu groups planned to hurt Hindu sentiments in Perinthalmanna, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Alappuzha, Mankada, and the surrounding areas during the Vishu festival through Muslim-owned food marts, restaurants, and similar establishments.

Authorities across the affected districts have emphasized that investigations are ongoing and have urged the public to exercise restraint and avoid sharing potentially inflammatory content on social media.
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_Agency Inputs.