Police case follows organizer's complaint
James, 35, is from Parakkal in Perumbavoor, Ernakulam district, according to Onmanorama and Reporter TV, which identified his workplace as Vengola Salem School in Perumbavoor. Police described him as a teacher at a vocational higher secondary school in the district.
Sports Meet Convenor P K Aravindan lodged the complaint that led Kunnamangalam police to open a case on Thursday. Police said James was accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita of giving provocation with intent to cause a riot.
Onmanorama reported that police registered two cases under Sections 170 and 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The outlet described the second as preventive action taken because police feared a breach of public peace.
Officials said James had deleted the social media post by evening. Reporter TV also reported that, after the controversy developed, he submitted a written statement saying he had no complaint. Police nevertheless took him into custody and formally recorded his arrest.
Officials said the charge was bailable and that James would be released on bail. Police said the investigation was continuing.
Food complaints and the teacher's account
An earlier report by Deshabhimani concerned breakfast at the meet's catering center on Tuesday morning, October 27. The outlet reported that worms had been found in the food and that parents complained to organizers. It described the incident as unprecedented for the State School Sports Meet.
James made his Facebook allegation on Wednesday, according to police. Officials said the student organization SFI subsequently held a protest march. Police said organizers investigated the food complaint and found it to be false.
In his statement to police, James said he had not personally seen a worm and had relayed what some students told him through Facebook Live, according to Samakalika Malayalam.
Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, who oversees food preparation at the meet, rejected the allegation, Onmanorama and Samakalika Malayalam reported. He said the 400 liters of sambar he prepares boils for hours and questioned how a live worm could be found in it. He also alleged that the same person had raised complaints about worms in different dishes on successive days and said he would pursue legal action.
Minister alleges an attempt to disrupt the event
Kerala General Education Minister N Shamsudheen alleged that the incident had been staged for political reasons to disrupt the sports meet, according to Onmanorama. He claimed a sports teacher and two television channel representatives were involved and said police would investigate the alleged conspiracy.
More than 9,000 children competing
The 68th Kerala State School Sports Meet runs in Kozhikode from October 25 through 31, 2026. Madhyamamonline reported that 9,309 children are competing at 10 venues, with the new track at the National Institute of Technology in Chathamangalam serving as the main venue.
Students from all schools under the General Education Department are taking part, according to PTI. Madhyamamonline described this as the third edition of the meet organized in an Olympics-style format.
