Kochi: A problematic video posted by a social media influencer claiming that Keralam is in danger because of its Muslim population has sparked controversy, with the content drawing criticism for portraying the presence of Muslims in Fort Kochi as evidence of a larger threat to the state. The influencer, who goes by the Instagram handle 'Litichokup', has also called for the Union government's intervention, alleging that the Keralam government is facilitating the spread of Islam through funding from Arab countries.
The video, which has been reported by Malayalam news outlets including MediaOne and Kerala Kaumudi, features the influencer recounting his experiences in Fort Kochi, where he claims to be staying. What begins as a description of his visit to a popular cafe soon develops into a series of allegations about the region's religious demographics, the state government and the safety of Hindus in Keralam. However, the influencer provides no verifiable evidence to substantiate several of his claims.
The controversy has also drawn attention to Diya Krishna, a social media influencer and daughter of actor and BJP leader Krishnakumar, who commented “sad reality” beneath the video, appearing to endorse its assertions.
The influencer begins by expressing concern for his own safety, claiming that the Keralam government should be held responsible if anything happens to him following the publication of the video.
He then describes visiting Kashi Art Cafe, a popular establishment in Fort Kochi, where he says he was surprised to find a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah displayed alongside one of Mahatma Gandhi. Questioning why Jinnah's portrait was displayed at the cafe, he also objects to what he claims was a menu consisting entirely of beef dishes.
The influencer goes on to question the cafe's name, arguing that Kashi is associated with the Hindu holy city of Varanasi and Lord Shiva. He suggests that the establishment should instead be renamed “Karachi Art Cafe”, accusing its owners of glorifying Jinnah and serving beef.
The video offers no evidence that the display of a historical figure's portrait or the serving of beef at a restaurant is connected to any unlawful activity. Nor does it establish any connection between the cafe and the broader allegations about religious influence that the influencer subsequently makes.
The influencer then shifts his attention to the religious composition of Fort Kochi, claiming that Muslims account for 95% of business owners, taxi drivers, autorickshaw drivers, small traders, street vendors and other workers in the locality.
He portrays this alleged concentration of Muslim-owned businesses as evidence of a dangerous transformation, claiming that Fort Kochi has developed an overwhelmingly Islamic atmosphere.
He further alleges that local right-wing sympathisers are afraid to speak openly and that some residents have warned him against disclosing his location while recording videos. These accounts are attributed to unnamed individuals and cannot be independently verified.
For centuries, Kochi has been a trading centre that attracted merchants, settlers and religious communities from different parts of the world. Its Muslim population has historical roots in maritime trade with Arab countries, long before the formation of the modern Indian state.
The Ernakulam district administration's official website notes that Muslims, Christians, Jews and Hindus have shared Kochi's cultural history for generations. It specifically identifies the Kalvathy Mosque in Fort Kochi, built around 500 years ago by Arab traders, as part of the region's historical heritage.
The Fort Kochi Police Station's official website also records eight temples, six churches and six mosques within its jurisdiction. The area is home to landmarks including St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and several Hindu places of worship.
The Union Ministry of Tourism's Incredible India website similarly describes Fort Kochi as a destination shaped by Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish influences, with its multicultural character forming an important part of its appeal to visitors.