Right wing organisations and their supporters in Kerala were caught in a fix after sharing a photo on social media claiming that senior IPS officer Rishi Raj Singh took part in the Ayyappa Jyoti event on Wednesday. The discussions finally prompted the officer of DGP rank to file a complaint to the state police chief Loknath Behera, seeking to book those who shared the picture with the caption that read, ‘DGP Rishi Raj Singh taking part in Ayyappa Jyoti’.
The picture widely shared by those who backed the Ayyappa Jyoti was that of a man holding a lit-up lamp and standing in a row with others holding the same. The man in the picture has a resemblance to Rishi Raj Singh, but a closer look will make it clear that it is not Rishi Raj Singh who is holding the lamp. Rishi Raj Singh is currently the Excise Commissioner of the state.
"It has come to my notice that a picture that has resemblance to me, with the caption that DGP Rishi Raj Singh is taking part in the Ayyappa Jyoti is being shared on social media. I have understood that this has been shared deliberately with an ill-intention to misguide people. Those who have posted and shared the picture should be booked and stern action may be taken against them," Rishi Raj Singh's letter to the state police chief says.
Rishi Raj Singh's office confirmed to TNM about the letter. The Ayyappa Jyoti was an event organised by the Sabarimala Karma Samithi with the backing of all right wing organisations to counter the state government’s proposed Women’s Wall to be held on January 1. The Karma Samithi opposes entry of women of menstruating ages into the Sabarimala shrine.
Later in the day, police booked J Jayan, a BJP worker who had posted the photo on social media. He is a native of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta. He posted the photo of one retired Navy officer from Koratty in Thrissur, who has resemblance to Rishi Raj Singh, with the caption.
The government is for the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala allowing women of all ages to offer prayers at the shrine. The Women’s Wall is being organised to gain support for its stand.