IAS officers K Gopalakrishnan and N Prasanth
NEW DELHI: The Kerala government on Monday suspended two IAS officers, K Gopalakrishnan and N Prasanthfor alleged breaches of conduct. According to official sources, Gopalakrishnan was suspended for creating a religion-based WhatsApp groupwhile disciplinary action was taken against Prasanth for reportedly criticizing a senior officer.
The controversy began on October 31, when several IAS officers in the Kerala cadre were unexpectedly added to a new WhatsApp group named “Mallu Hindu Officers.” The group, allegedly created by K Gopalakrishnan, included only Hindu officers, prompting immediate objections. Many officers viewed the group as a breach of the secular values that government officials are expected to uphold, and the group was deleted the following day.
In response, Gopalakrishnan claimed his phone had been hacked, resulting in the unauthorized formation of several WhatsApp groups using his contacts. He filed a police complaintasserting that he had no involvement in creating the controversial group.
The incident follows another high-profile controversy involving IPS officer MR Ajith Kumar, who was recently transferred from his role as ADGP (law and order). Kumar reportedly met with senior RSS leaders without the approval of Kerala’s ruling LDF government, which faced mounting pressure to act after the CPI, an LDF ally, took a strong stance on the issue. While the government has not officially confirmed this as the reason for his transfer, the timing has raised questions.
“This is the first time a WhatsApp group among officers has been created based on religious lines,” a senior officer told The Times of India, speaking on condition of anonymity. Typically, WhatsApp groups among officials are based on seniority, department, or regional ties, he explained, adding that most are inactive or serve practical, administrative functions.
The formation of a group with a religious angle drew the attention of state and central intelligence agencieswho were alerted by officers added to the group. Evidence provided by these officers reportedly led intelligence authorities to take the matter seriously, and an investigation is now underway.
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