Police gag media from asking questions to CM Satheesan in Kochi, ACP cites security aspect
Kochi police prevented journalists from questioning Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, citing security concerns for the Z-plus category official. This incident follows recent public controversies involving the Chief Minister and his interactions with the media.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns regarding press freedom and the accountability of high-ranking government officials in India.
The Kochi city police on Saturday (September 26, 2026) allegedly prevented journalists from asking questions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The alleged incident happened when TV journalists were waiting for the Chief Minister’s arrival at an event at a convention centre in Kaloor.
Peter K.J., Assistant Commissioner, Ernakulam subdivision, prevented the journalists from getting near the Chief Minister, citing security reasons.
In a video aired on TV channels, the officer is heard saying that the Chief Minister is someone in the Z Plus security category. He did not give a clear answer to repeated queries from reporters on whether he had received any instruction to prevent journalists from asking questions to the Chief Minister.
“I spoke only from a security aspect. I didn’t get angry at you,” Mr. Peter is heard saying in the video.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in