Malappuram: The Vishu advertisement controversy has intensified in Keralam, with fresh arrests of Jihadis reported from Angadipuram in Malappuram district. The police arrested three individuals linked to Yamama Shawaya Hotel, which operates near Poradam Bridge, after a social media post associated with the hotel triggered protests.
According to police, the hotel had shared an image depicting a child-like representation of Bhagwan Krishna seated on the ground in a traditional pose, holding a laddu, with a large plate of cooked chicken placed directly in front of him. The image also features a peacock feather on his crown and a festive Vishu setting in the background. The post was shared as part of a Vishu greeting and was deleted shortly after concerns were raised, but by then it had already circulated widely on social media platforms. Following complaints, the Mankada police registered a case on charges of promoting communal disharmony.
Those arrested were identified as Mustafa of Pookottoor, Shahul Hameed, and Muhammed Shahil of Eramthode. During the investigation, police also seized two mobile phones and a tablet believed to have been used in the creation and dissemination of the image. Hindu Aikyavedi organised a protest demonstration in front of the hotel, demanding strict legal action against those responsible. The protest saw participation from local activists and residents, with slogans raised against the establishment. ‘Yamama Shawaya’ combines ‘Yamama’, a region in Saudi Arabia, with ‘Shawaya,’ meaning grilled or roasted meat, indicating a Saudi-style meat and grill restaurant.
VHP raises concerns, complaint filed with district Police chief
The controversy has drawn a strong response from Hindu organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which stated that the incident was not isolated. The organisation alleged that the Angadipuram case bore similarities to earlier controversies and raised concerns about a possible pattern of Jihadi presence behind such advertisements. VHP leaders submitted a complaint to the Malappuram Superintendent of Police, seeking a detailed investigation into the matter. They pointed to the recurrence of similar visual themes in different parts of the state and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the origin and intent behind such posts. The developments have added to the ongoing debate over the use of religious imagery in public campaigns, particularly during festivals. With multiple incidents now reported from different districts, the issue has gained statewide attention.
Similar cases across Keralam
The present controversy follows a similar incident reported earlier from Cherthala in Alappuzha district involving Meher Mandi & Grills, owned by Mohammed Shemir, Arshad and associates. The establishment had released a Vishu-themed advertisement depicting Bhagwan Krishna alongside a biryani platter with fried chicken placed prominently. The visual led to widespread protests and strong reactions from Hindu organisations.
Following complaints, the Cherthala police registered a case under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and took one of the accused and co-owner, Arshad, into custody as part of the investigation. The restaurant, reportedly run by a group of nine partners, came under scrutiny, and protests were organised in the area, including a march led by the VHP.
As the controversy unfolded, similar visuals surfaced from other restaurants across the state, further intensifying the issue. Establishments such as Go Grill Mandi Mahal Hotel in Erattupetta (Kottayam district), Mandi Manzil Hotel Group with outlets in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha, and Thalassery Kitchen in Kozhikode were also discussed in connection with comparable promotional imagery. In addition, a separate image from Ernakulam district, linked to a shop named ‘FIRST STEP’ on Kalathilparambil Cross Road, showed slippers placed within a Vishu Kani-like arrangement, adding another dimension to the controversy.
Vishu Kani, a central ritual of the festival, traditionally includes auspicious items such as rice, fruits, a mirror, gold, and images of deities especially Bhagwan Krishna, viewed at dawn as the first sight of the new year. With incidents now reported from Alappuzha, Malappuram, and other districts, the Vishu advertisement row has evolved into a wider issue across Keralam. Police action in multiple cases, along with protests by various organisations, indicates that the matter continues to develop, drawing sustained public and administrative attention.
