Police record UDF leader’s statement in Kozhikode Corporation anthem row
Police are investigating a dispute at the Kozhikode Corporation where rival political groups sang the national anthem and the national song simultaneously during an Independence Day event. Complaints have been filed by UDF, LDF, and BJP representatives alleging mutual disrespect.
Why it matters
The incident highlights deep-seated political polarization and tensions regarding national symbols in local governance.
The police team probing the incident of two groups of councillors singing the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana and the national song, Vande Mataram, simultaneously during the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Kozhikode Corporation on August 15 recorded the statement of Leader of the Opposition in the council S.V. Mohammed Shameel Thangal of the United Democratic Front (UDF) on Monday (August 17).
Mr. Thangal, Left Democratic Front (LDF) council party leader K. Rajeev, and BJP councillor Navya Haridas have filed complaints with District Police Chief (Kozhikode City) A.P. Shoukathali following the incident. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kozhikode Town Sub-Division) T.K. Asharaf has been entrusted with the investigation of the complaints.
On Sunday (August 16), Kozhikode Town police recorded Ms. Haridas’ statement. The police said they had not yet registered an FIR in the matter.
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