Thiruvananthapuram – A police report indicates that the registrar of the University of Kerala intervened on June 25th at an event attended by the Governor, following a request from police. The intervention came after protests erupted over an image of Bharatmata, prompting concerns about potential public order issues, according to a report submitted to the Thiruvananthapuram Judicial First Class Magistrate Court by Cantonment Station House Officer Prajeesh Sasi.

Police documents refer to the image as a depiction of a woman carrying the Indian flag. The report details that a private complaint was filed by Dr. K.N. Madhusoodanan Pillai and G. Radhakrishnan Nair, requesting an investigation under sections 61, 151, 152, 192, 196, 299, 302, and 353(2) of the Indian Penal Code against the university registrar and members of the Left Syndicate. The court subsequently requested a report from police.

The police report appears to exonerate those accused, stating that none of the charges brought by the complainants hold merit. The report notes that protests were staged by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Left Syndicate members, and the Kerala Students Union (KSU) over the image. Members of the Padmanabha Seva Samiti, the event organizers, also gathered in front of the Senate Hall. Recognizing the potential for conflict, police notified the registrar, who then requested the organizers remove the image. By the time the Governor arrived, protesters had been cleared and security was ensured.

The Governor attended the event without incident, leaving through a different gate than the main entrance. Police stated that there was no attempt to attack the Governor, and that the protests were directed at the image itself, not the Governor. The police report also indicated that the protests did not aim to undermine the country’s sovereignty or unity, and were not based on religious grounds. University Syndicate members intervened to maintain peace on campus and did not attempt to disrupt the event. Police have filed cases against 50 SFI activists and four organizers in connection with the protests.

The complainants approached the court alleging that despite filing a complaint with the Cantonment Police against the University Registrar and Left Syndicate members, no action was taken. They allege that police were unwilling to record their statements. The complainants claim the investigation was deliberately stalled to protect the accused. The complaint alleges that the accused attempted to intimidate the Governor and disrupt security arrangements, and defamed Bharatmata without provocation, potentially inciting unrest.

English Summary:

Police Report on Controversy Surrounding Bharatmata Image at Kerala University senate hall event: police report states the registrar intervened due to potential law and order issues, and the court will consider the petition further in December.