Police record UDF leader’s statement in Kozhikode anthem row

What Happened

The incident occurred during the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Kozhikode Corporation on August 15. During the event, members from two political camps—LDF and UDF—began singing the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, while BJP councillors sang the full version of Vande Mataram. Both groups continued singing despite the confusion, and the ceremony proceeded with the national anthem completed by the mayor and councillors before departure. On August 17, the police recorded the statement of S.V. Mohammed Shameel Thangal, the Leader of the Opposition in the Kozhikode Corporation council and a UDF member. Statements from other relevant participants had been recorded earlier, including BJP councillor Navya Haridas on August 16. The police have not registered an FIR yet, and an investigation has been initiated with Assistant Commissioner of Police T.K. Asharaf overseeing the complaints from both sides. The complaints allege insult to the national anthem and the national song during the ceremony, with BJP members claiming the national anthem was sung improperly as the national song was also being performed, and that the mayor and deputy mayor, among others, walked away.

Why It Matters

The episode highlights tensions between local political groups in Kozhikode over ceremonial propriety and symbols during a national holiday. The recording of statements and ongoing investigation indicate the authorities are treating the incident as a potential matter of public decorum and procedural conduct at an official event, rather than a straightforward musical dispute. The absence of an FIR at the time of reporting suggests the case is being treated as an inquiry rather than a prosecutable offense at this stage.

Background

The Independence Day ceremony took place at the Kozhikode Corporation premises, with the mayor delivering the address before the performances by councillors. The incident drew complaints from both the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front against BJP councillors, who allegedly engaged in singing Vande Mataram while Jana Gana Mana was being sung, and vice versa according to the competing complaints. The police have assigned the investigation to a senior sub-divisional official, reflecting an administrative approach to resolve the dispute stemming from a municipal council event.

Key Facts

• Location: Kozhikode Corporation, Kochi division area (Kozhikode city).
• Date of incident: August 15 (Independence Day ceremony).
• Two groups sang different national symbols simultaneously during the event: Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram.
• Statement recorded: S.V. Mohammed Shameel Thangal (UDF leader, Opposition in the council) on August 17.
• Earlier, Navya Haridas (BJP councillor) had her statement recorded on August 16.
• Involvement of officials: Assistant Commissioner of Police T.K. Asharaf is handling the complaints; no FIR has been registered as of reporting.

What Happens Next

The investigation remains active with the police taking statements from involved parties and monitoring the progression of the complaints. The timing and outcome of any future formal actions, including the potential registration of an FIR, were not specified in the available details.