Man who tore Kodiyeri flex board in SFI rally expresses regret, cites ‘confusion’ over party poster
Akbar Shah, a former SFI member, apologized for tearing down a flex board of a late CPI(M) leader during a protest rally in Kollam. He claimed the act was a mistake caused by confusing the banner with promotional material for a rival political party.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the volatile nature of local political demonstrations and the importance of organizational accountability in student-led movements.
Akbar Shah, a Kilikollur resident, has issued a clarification and an apology following an incident where he damaged a flex board of the late CPI(M) former State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan during a protest rally organised by the SFI Kollam District Committee.
In a video Shah explained that he tore down the banner after “mistaking it” for promotional material of the Congress party. He further clarified that he did not intentionally infiltrate the rally and sought “forgiveness” for his actions.
Asserting his organisational background, Mr. Shah mentioned that he was previously an active worker of both the SFI and the DYFI before moving abroad for employment. While home on leave, he happened upon the demonstration in Kollam town and spontaneously joined it. He rejected claims by party leaders and cadres that he has no connection to the SFI, asserting that he was indeed a former member.
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