Black flag against Governor: 55 SFI members arrested

THRISSUR: 55 SFI activists who tried to protest against Governor Arif Mohammad Khan by showing black flags were arrested. A case was registered against 41 persons for preventive detention and against SFI District Secretary Jishnu Sathyan and Krishna Prasad for obstructing police duty.

The protest took place when the governor was on his way to the graduation ceremony of Mulakunnathukavu Medical College and the 20th-anniversary celebrations of Pavaratty Penakam Sree Gurudeva Vidyanikethan Central School. All were released on bail.

The protesters were taken into custody by the time the governor's vehicle arrived. The journey was not interrupted anywhere. The ceremony at the Medical College was in the morning. SFI had planned to protest at various places starting from Thiroor temple premises. The black flag was first waved on Velappaya Road. Ten persons each were stationed at Mulakunnathukavu flyover, China Bazaar and Medical College premises. The governor arrived with an escort of about 30 vehicles.

The activists who rushed in front of the vehicles were immediately subdued by the police. Among those detained were women activists too. Activists also protested at the police station, alleging that the protesters were beaten in the face and eyes. City Police Commissioner Ankit Ashokan and senior police officers were present at the spot. The police overpowered the protestors who were hiding in the shops and approached the convoy. 43 SFI workers were taken into custody at medical college. In the evening, the Pavaratty police took twelve people into custody from Annakara and Penakam. On Tuesday night, five people were arrested from the premises of the town hall and taken into custody. The Governor is participating in a program at Engandiyoor today.