Traders to down shutters tomorrow on pirated CD raids issue

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 8 (UNI) Traders in Kerala will shut shop tomorrow to protest the ongoing raids on video libraries in the state.

The Vyapari-Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi has given the call for a state-wide hartal to protest the raids to unearth pirated CDs.

Alleging the recent raids were being conducted wih some vested interest, Samithi office-bearers claimed the police were harassing video library owners.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today said the government would go ahead with the raids against video libraries dealing in pirated CDs.

The raids started after Anti-Piracy Cell Inspector General Rishiraj Singh unearthed pirated CDs from Riyan Studio in Kochi, which was reportedly owned by the wife of an IPS officer.

The raid even led to Director-General of Police removing Mr Singh from his post and later reinstating him following the Chief Minister's intervention.

UNI