Thiruvananthapuram: The police have charged an FIR against the SFI activists who protested against the Governor while he was on the way to an event in Vazhuthacaud. However, the charges levied are not grave enough, many say. 

The FIR has been filed under non-bailable sections for obstruction of official duties. It is alleged that the police are engaging in political favouritism because while the SFI workers have been booked under minor offences, the KSU activists in the ‘shoe-throwing’ incident against Kerala Chief Minister were charged with grave sections including the attempt to murder.

The arrest of seven people was recorded by the Cantonment police in connection with the black flag protest against the Governor. Five others who were nabbed from the spot were let go. The charges against the seven arrested individuals are for obstructing the vehicle the Governor was travelling in near the Palayam area. 

Visuals of the incident showed SFI activists waving black flags and one of them running alongside the Governor's vehicle with a placard before he was caught by the police. Many others could be seen being restrained by the police along both sides of the route.

Such a major breach of security of a Z-category VIP is considered to be serious. The Governor reacted strongly to the incident. The Centre may seek a report from the state home affairs department regarding this incident. The Governor has the same level of security as the chief minister. However, allegations are rife that the Governor is not getting a similar security in the state.

What is even more jarring about this case is that there were two separate such incidents against the Governor separated by a half-hour interval. After the incident, it was decided that the Governor’s convoy movement should not be communicated via the wireless system but rather through the phone. Still, the SFI activists had information about the route.

There are accusations that the route was leaked and top officials have been deployed to investigate this leak.