Kozhikode: The Cyber Crime Police in Kozhikode on Thursday arrested local CPM leader Nidhin Kakkadath, 37, for allegedly posting an abusive and defamatory comment on social media targeting Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheeshan.

The case was registered on Tuesday based on a complaint lodged by Rajeevan K, chairman of the Beypore Block Congress Committee.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused allegedly published the comment with the intention of defaming the chief minister and provoking a breach of public peace.

Police booked Nidhin under Sections 192 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011.

Section 192 of the BNS deals with illegal, malicious or reckless provocation intended or likely to cause a riot, while Section 356(2) pertains to criminal defamation. Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act penalises causing nuisance to any person through any means of communication.