The Kerala government suspended two IAS officers for disciplinary violations amid a controversy over a ’religious WhatsApp group.’ Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acted on a report from the chief secretary following an investigation.

N Prasanth, who earned the affectionate title “Collector Bro” during his tenure as the Kozhikode District Collector, is known for his innovative use of social media.

The Kerala government has suspended IAS officers K. Gopalakrishnan and N. Prasanth due to breaches in conduct. Gopalakrishnan created a religion-centric WhatsApp group among government officials, while Prasanth publicly criticized a senior officer on social media.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took the decision to suspend the IAS officer based on reports from Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan.

Gopalakrishnan, an officer of the 2013 batch, was suspended following the creation of a WhatsApp group called 'Mallu Hindu Officers' last month. It is claimed that he created this group, selecting IAS officers for membership based on their religious affiliation.

The Kerala government on Monday suspended two IAS officers, K Gopalakrishnan and N Prasanth, for alleged breaches of conduct. According to official sources, Gopalakrishnan was suspended for creating a religion-based WhatsApp group,

While Gopalakrishnan was suspended for creating a religion-based WhatsApp group of government officials, action was taken against Prasanth for criticising a senior IAS officer on social media.