IG security to probe hurling of Black flag at CM's vehicle

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 24: State Inspector General of Police (Security) will probe the incident of hurling of a black flag at a vehicle in which Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was proceeding for a function here, the state Assembly was informed today.

Replying to a submission on behalf of Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, State Minister for Revenue Adoor Prakash said a CPI-M worker has been arrested in connection with the incident which took place yesterday.

A case has been registered against 50 CPI-M activists.

The probe would also look into security lapses, if any, he said to the submission moved by Benny Behanan (Cong).

Along with the Chief Minister, Assembly Speaker N Sakthan and State Panchayat Minister M K Muneer were also in the CM's open jeep when the incident happened, Prakash said.

Prakash termed the incident unfortunate and condemnable and said stern action would be initiated against the culprits. A group of CPI-M activists, who were waiting to wave black flags at Finance minister K M Mani, hurled a flag as the CM's vehicle passed-by nearby Vedivechan Kovil.

Mani was also a part of the inauguration function. Police said the activists had mistaken Chandy's vehicle to be that of Mani's car.

CPI-M has been protesting over the past few months against Mani, who is facing allegations of bribery with regard to renewal of bar licenses.

PTI