On November 9, at the trial of the case, the court entrusted the police to present the minutes regarding the conduct of the investigation and the results of the forensic examination of the seized phones. However, in today’s hearing, the police did not comply and asked for more time. The court initially asked that the reports be submitted by 2.30 pm today after the court break. However, the police asked for an extension when the court session resumed.

Highlighting the lack of progress in the eight-month investigation, the complainant and MSF leader Muhammad Kasim approached the court, requesting its supervision. The court had previously said it would decide on the surveillance after hearing arguments from the police, but firmly ordered updates to the investigation two weeks ago.

The case dates back to the Vadakara Lok Sabha election campaign, where a controversial WhatsApp message, purportedly from MSF leader PK Muhammad Kasim, labeled LDF candidate KK Shailaja as a ‘kafir’. The message sparked accusations of communalism, with the MSF calling for an investigation and the IUML accusing the CPM of a conspiracy. Although Kasim was cleared, a High Court report later revealed that the operation was aimed at creating communal tension for electoral advantage.