Sandeep Varier Explains Deleting Complainant’s Wedding Photo in Mamkootathil Case, Citing Morality
The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has filed a case against Congress leader Sandeep Varier for allegedly revealing the identity of a young woman who had lodged a harassment complaint against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. Rahul Easwar is also mentioned in the complaint, with the Facebook posts of both leaders forming the basis of the accusation. Sandeep Varier was among the attendees at the woman’s wedding last year, having previously shared a wedding picture on his Facebook account. In light of the current complaint, Sandeep Varier has issued a statement explaining his actions.
In a recent Facebook post, Varier stated, “There has been no statement from my side revealing the identity of the complainant. I am not so unwise as to do such a thing. Furthermore, I posted about it only after deleting the photo from the wedding ceremony. I am not so foolish as to not do so. The timing of it can be verified by technical experts. Moreover, when I noticed that another person’s wedding photo, in which I had participated during that period, was being misused, I deleted that photo as well.”
He further elaborated, “Even though it was a photo posted last year and I was sure that no legal issue would arise against me even if I didn’t delete it, I promptly deleted it when some individuals, including Lakshmi Padma, brought it to my attention. I did it for ethical reasons.”
Varier also commented on the party’s stance: “The Congress party has taken strong action in this matter. That action was taken unanimously by the party leadership. It is the duty of every Congress worker to stand by that decision. Beyond that, I will not say another word on this matter. Truth must prevail. Let the law take its course.”
Meanwhile, in response to severe cyber-attacks, the woman has submitted a complaint to the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), prompting authorities to take steps to register cases district-wise.