The special investigation team (SIT) probing the Vadakara ‘kafir screenshot’ case is set to move the Vadakara Sessions court on Thursday seeking custody of Jithin Bhaskar, a Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader arrested over circulation of a controversial social media message during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.

The move follows his arrest being formally recorded after interrogation. He had earlier been questioned and released, but was summoned again on Tuesday and arrested. He has been remanded in judicial custody.

Mr. Bhaskar, a DYFI Vadakara block committee member and admin of a WhatsApp group ‘Vadakara Squad’, is suspected of sharing it with over 200 people. His mobile phone had been sent for forensic examination. Police sources said he was the first to share the screenshot within a few local WhatsApp group. Investigation team members also claimed that the content was later circulated by another DYFI leader, Ribesh Ramakrishnan, in a separate group named ‘Red Encounter’. The SIT has questioned several group administrators in its widening probe.

A senior officer with the SIT said the investigation into the origin of the screenshot was progressing with the help of digital evidence and forensic analysis. He said the custody of Mr. Bhaskar was required for further interrogation to trace the chain of circulation and identify the possible source of the message.

His arrest, according to Congress leaders, has put the CPI(M) on the defensive. Earlier explanations shared by party leaders are now under scrutiny. However, the police have not established that Mr. Bhaskar was the creator of the screenshot. The SIT is now focussing on identifying who orchestrated the creation. It will also check the trigger behind the wider circulation of the message, which is suspected to have been part of a coordinated campaign.

There are also allegations that the screenshot may have been created on the instructions of a senior CPI(M) leader, with lower-level functionaries taking responsibility to shield superiors. The party has not issued a detailed response to these claims.

The controversial screenshot surfaced during the peak of campaigning, targeting UDF candidate Shafi Parambil and referring to CPI(M) leader K.K. Shailaja in a communal framing meant to polarise voters.

Earlier investigation during the LDF government had reportedly reached a dead end, but the renewed probe under the UDF government f has revived the case.