‘Jailer 2’ Actor Vinayakan Booked by Kerala Police Over Alleged Minor Girl’s Photo Share; Investigation Underway
Jailer actor Vinayakan, 56, was booked by Kerala Police on July 9, 2026, for allegedly sharing an 8-year-old girl's photo and father's contact details on Facebook without consent. The Mavelikkara Police case, initiated by the Child Rights Commission, involves charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, IT Act, and Kerala Police Act.
In a significant development in South Indian entertainment news, acclaimed actor Vinayakan has found himself embroiled in legal controversy after the Kerala Police registered a case against him. The actor, who is anticipated to reprise his antagonist role in the upcoming Jailer 2, faces serious allegations concerning the unauthorised sharing of a minor girl's image on social media. The incident has drawn attention from child rights authorities, leading to formal police action. ‘Jailer 2’: From Suraj Venjaramoodu to Vidya Balan, Meet New Cast Members Joining Rajinikanth’s Highly Anticipated Sequel.
Vinayakan in Legal Trouble
The Mavelikkara Police in Kerala's Alappuzha district registered a case against Vinayakan on July 9, 2026. This legal step was initiated following explicit directions from the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The complaint was lodged by a Thazhakara native, currently residing in Mumbai, who is the father of the alleged minor victim.
Vinayakan, aged 56, has been booked under various provisions of the law, including relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to defamation and intrusion intended to insult the modesty of a woman or invade her privacy. Additionally, provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Kerala Police Act have also been invoked. Authorities have noted allegations of insulting womanhood in connection with the Facebook post.
What Happened
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the alleged incident dates back to July 23-24, 2025. The complainant reportedly forwarded a Facebook post critical of Vinayakan to the actor via WhatsApp on July 23, 2025. In response, Vinayakan is accused of taking a screenshot of this WhatsApp message, along with the complainant's WhatsApp profile picture, which prominently featured his eight-year-old daughter. It is alleged that Vinayakan then circulated these screenshots, along with the father's mobile number, through his verified Facebook account without consent.
The complainant stated that this unauthorised post led to severe distress, including repeated phone calls from unknown individuals and verbal abuse, causing significant mental agony and reputational harm to him and his family. The father subsequently approached the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which, after examining the matter, directed the police to register the case.
Vinayakan On the Professional Front
Despite the ongoing legal troubles, Vinayakan continues to be a prominent figure in South Indian cinema. He is currently awaiting the release of Jailer 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and starring Superstar Rajinikanth, the film reportedly began shooting in March 2025 and is targeting a theatrical release on October 15, 2026. Vinayakan is set to reprise his acclaimed role as the antagonist Varman in the sequel.
Vinayakan's filmography includes notable performances in films like Kammatipaadam (for which he won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor in 2016), Aadu - Oru Bheegara Jeevi Aanu, Ee.Ma.Yau., and his critically praised role as Varman in ‘Jailer’ (2023).
Vinayakan's Past Controversies
This is not Vinayakan's first brush with controversy. The actor has a history of facing criticism over his public statements and social media activity, with several prior cases registered against him related to defamation and public nuisance. In March 2023, Vinayakan also publicly announced his separation from his wife, Babitha, via a Facebook video. ‘Jailer 2’ Teaser Reactions: Rajinikanth’s ‘Tiger’ Muthuvel Pandian Appears Briefly, but Anirudh Ravichander’s Music Steals the Show (Watch Video).
The investigation into the current case is underway, and authorities have indicated that Vinayakan's statement will be recorded as part of the ongoing proceedings.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 06:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).