Kerala HC grants police protection to journalist Aparna Kurup after cyber attacks over TV debate involving Kanthapuram’s remarks

The Kerala High Court has ordered the Kochi Police Commissioner to ensure the life and residence of Aparna Kurup, a journalist with a Malayalam TV channel.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas also ordered the commissioner to ensure law and order around Ms Kurup’s residence without any hindrance or interference until her petition is disposed of.

Ms Kurup went to court following alleged cyber attacks and death threats arising from a TV program she hosted that debated Kanthapuram Sunni Muslim scholar AP Aboobacker Musaliyar’s remarks about women. In her petition, Ms. Kurup alleged that her residential address along with her photo was posted on social media platforms as part of cyber attacks.

She approached the Kochi Cyber ​​Police and the Kochi City Commissioner and filed a complaint on September 7 against the alleged attacks. She alleged that “cadres of certain Islamic fundamentalist organizations including SDPI actively incited and shared her personal information, called for protest outside her house and physical harm”.

The televised debate led to the registration of a case also against Mrs. Kurupová for alleged provocative statements during the televised debate. It was later taken down by the channel. Kochi Cyber ​​Police booked Ms Kurup on the complaint of BM Abdul Hakeem of Kasargod.

Published – 14 Sep 2026 21:45 IST