Two individuals were arrested on April 18, 2026, in connection to a promotional poster shared on WhatsApp for a restaurant’s Vishu celebration. The poster featured an image of a young Lord Krishna seated before a plate of ‘kuzhi manthi’, an Arabian non-vegetarian dish. Reports indicate that local police became involved after receiving complaints regarding the content of the poster.

An officer at the Cherthala police station stated that the accused were charged under section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly provoking unrest within the community. This particular section addresses acts intended to incite riots through the dissemination of inflammatory material.

The First Information Report (FIR) filed by authorities alleges that the individuals shared the poster with the intent to cause offence to the religious beliefs and sentiments of Hindus. The incident sparked significant public concern and resulted in swift police action.

Community Response and Precautions

In anticipation of potential public unrest, local law enforcement took precautionary measures following reports of a planned protest march by a Hindu organisation directed at the restaurant. The police have implemented strategies to maintain order and ensure the safety of both protesters and the local community.

Community leaders voiced their distress over the poster, indicating that it trivialised a revered figure in Hindu culture. The situation has raised discussions about the sensitive nature of religious imagery in promotional content, particularly in a diverse societal landscape.

The police officer reiterated the importance of upholding communal harmony and stated that they would remain vigilant around the restaurant during the protest period. Authorities aimed to prevent any escalation that could arise from the situation.

Restaurant Owner’s Apology

In light of the controversy, the owner of the restaurant has publicly issued an apology regarding the use of the disputed poster. In a statement broadcasted on several television channels, the owner expressed regret over the oversight, stating that the poster design had been contracted to a third party without adequate oversight.

The restaurant owner explained that the image was not directly used in any marketing campaigns or on the establishment’s social media channels, suggesting that the controversy stemmed from a lack of understanding on the part of the designer. He emphasised that the restaurant values respect for all cultural beliefs.

Following the incident, discussions among local businesses emerged, focusing on the need for increased sensitivity in promotional materials. Owners and marketers are now encouraged to consider the cultural implications of imagery and messaging in their advertising efforts to avoid similar controversies in the future.

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