Kerala Police Arrests Prime Suspect In Hanan Hamid Trolling Case

The Kerala Police today arrested the prime suspect in the Hanan Hamid trolling case. The man identified as Norudden Sheik is in police custody and is being questioned. Earlier on Wednesday, Mathrubhumi a popular Malayalam newspaper published the story of Hanan Hamid (19) who sells fish after her college hours to eke a living.

A day after the story was published, a huge crowd thronged at the Thammam Junnction. And many called her an attention-seeker. Hanan trying to prove that she is not guilty of any fake publicity said, "People started dissecting my attire - asking questions about the gold ring I'm wearing, the makeup I had on my face, my clothing – everything.”

Hanan Hamid's Story

The Mathrubhumi reported how Hamid, a third-year chemistry student who studies at a private college in Kerala sells fish and acts as a junior artiste in films to make her two ends meet. Hanan mentions how her life became difficult after her parents got divorced and she took to all these activities to pay her school fees.

As per reports, it was Noorudeen Sheikh who first took selfies with Hanan Hamid after her struggles were brought to light through the newspaper story. Sheik's social media post went viral and the girl was trolled as an attention-seeker.

Many on social media alleged her as, "fake and doing all she did only to impress to superstar Mohanlal to land a role with his son Pranav Mohanlal in an upcoming film," reported NDTV.

"They are criticizing me without knowing the reality. I am a poor girl who worked to eke out a living. My troubles began in the 7th standard. I have done dubbing, acted as a junior artist and took part in event management functions as a flower girl. But I have never approached a director or even knew anyone.”

The young girl was disturbed by outrage. In a statement to Mathrubhumi Hanan said, “They are criticizing me without knowing the reality. I am a poor girl who worked to eke out a living. My troubles began in the 7th standard. I have done dubbing, acted as a junior artist and took part in event management functions as a flower girl. But I have never approached a director or even knew anyone.”

Action Against the Guilt

A police officer stated, “A complaint has been filed against him and he is charged with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act (2008).”

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the police to initiate action against the abusive propaganda on social media platforms. Taking a note on the cyber bullying, the CMO has directed the police to take action against the people involved. Addressing the issue of cyber bullying, he said, "People should be more cautious while using social media. It is improper to circulate anything which they get through cyber platforms. This will only help push the society towards further danger."

Hanan expressed her satisfaction after the culprit's arrest and said, “Now I have realised that with the support I am getting from the government and my college, I have now got so many guardians.”

Support For Hanan

Hanan's college principal and friends came out in her support and presented testimonials, showing that the accusations are false and derogatory. The Director of the Hanan’s College also attested to the girl’s situations and financial issues. Many people apologized for their words after knowing the real story.

The Kerala women's commission chairperson MC Josephine also addressed the topic and termed the social media abuse as "cyber goondaism."

Appreciating the girl's girt to being self-dependent, the CMO said, "The satisfaction one gets is immense if they fund their studies with the money they earn. Only those who have gone through such experiences in life will understand it."

Kerala's Union Minister KJ Alphonso, also gave his support to Hanan and posted a note on Facebook.

Megha Thadani is an Intern with Shethepeople.tv