When Misinformation Turns Dangerous: Kozhikode Man Poses as PMO Official

On May 9, 2025, an unusual phone call to the Kochi Naval Base sent shockwaves through national security agencies. A man introduced himself as an official from the Prime Minister’s Office and asked for the location of INS Vikrant. The caller turned out to be Mujeeb Rahman, a native of Kozhikode. However, naval officers noticed suspicious elements in his tone and manner of speaking, prompting them to alert the police immediately. A serious investigation followed, leading to Mujeeb’s arrest in Kozhikode.

According to his family, Mujeeb had been undergoing treatment for mental health issues since 2021. They claim he believed fake news online suggesting that INS Vikrant had attacked Karachi. In today’s digital world, the line between reality and imagination can become dangerously blurred for some.

This is not just an isolated incident—it underscores the critical need for integrating mental health awareness and media literacy in our digital age. The spread of misinformation around us can have dangerous consequences, as this case shows.

Mujeeb now faces charges under the Official Secrets Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or was influenced by others.

This serves as a reminder that national security is not just the government’s responsibility—it’s ours too. We must prioritize mental health and learn to critically evaluate online information. This incident clearly calls for that awareness.

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