Arshad arrested; Mohammed Shemir and Shamnad, among the nine owners of Meher Mandi & Grills, under scrutiny in the Vishu ad row
Alappuzha: A restaurant owner in Cherthala has been arrested in connection with the controversial Vishu advertisement that depicted Bhagwan Krishna alongside a non-vegetarian dish. Cherthala police arrested Arshad, one of the nine owners of Meher Mandi & Grills, which has links to individuals associated with the Indian Union Muslim League. Initial information indicates that Arshad was involved in the creation and circulation of the poster that triggered the controversy.
Police have registered a case under BNS Section 192, which pertains to deliberate or malicious provocation with the intent to incite a riot. The offence carries a punishment of up to one year. Officials stated that the action was taken following complaints that the advertisement had hurt religious sentiments and had the potential to disturb public order.
The issue first gained prominence after a Vishu-themed promotional campaign by Meher Mandi & Grills, a hotel group based in Cherthala in Keralam’s Alappuzha district, began circulating widely. The advertisement featured a stylised image of Bhagwan Krishna placed alongside a non-vegetarian dish, drawing strong reactions. The establishment operates near the Cherthala North Market Central Juma Masjid. The hotel is owned by multiple partners, including Mohammed Shemir, son of a local leader associated with the Indian Union Muslim League, along with Arshad and Shamnad.
Released during Vishu, one of the most sacred festivals for Hindus in Keralam, the advertisement quickly became the centre of controversy. Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, is marked by rituals such as Vishukkani, symbolising prosperity, purity, and spiritual renewal. The depiction of a revered deity in proximity to a meat-based dish was widely perceived as a violation of religious sanctity and an affront to established traditions.
The incident triggered strong reactions from Hindu organisations and leaders. Hindu Aikyavedi leader KP Sasikala termed the advertisement a “shameless act” and questioned whether it could be seen merely as a greeting card. She alleged that the act reflected deeper intent rather than simple commercial promotion and warned of serious public resentment. VHP State General Secretary Anil Vilayil also condemned the advertisement, stating that it appeared to be the result of deliberate planning rather than an isolated act. He linked the episode to a broader pattern of provocative content involving religious sensitivities and questioned the repeated portrayal of Hindu symbols in ways that many find disrespectful.
Protests are scheduled to be held in front of the hotel today at 4 PM, led by Hindu organisations including the VHP.
