Case against 27 RSS workers for laying floral carpet near temple in violation of court order

The Sasthamcotta police in Kollam have registered a case against 27 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sympathisers and workers for laying a floral carpet with the theme “Operation Sindoor” along with a floral design symbolising the RSS flag on the main road leading to Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Muthupilakkadu, in violation of a Kerala High Court order.

The case was registered against Sarath, Ashokan and 25 others who can be identified under Sections 223 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 192 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 3(5) (criminal act done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was lodged by Asokan C., an office-bearer of the temple committee.

RSS activists laid the floral carpet with the inscription ‘Operation Sindoor’ with flowers right next to the temple committee’s floral design.

‘Bid to incite clashes’

“The court has prohibited people from erecting flags, decorations and flex boards on the temple premises with the intention of creating unrest. However, in violation of this, on September 4, at around 9 p.m., the accused, without the permission of the temple committee, arranged a floral carpet and created a flag-like design symbolising the RSS flag on the main road leading to the temple. They also installed a flex board bearing the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji at a spot about 50 m away from the temple. The accused attempted to incite clashes between workers of various political parties,” the First Information Report (FIR) said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, condemned the police action, claiming the floral carpet was laid to honour “Operation Sindoor”. BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to “withdraw this shameful and seditious FIR”.

“This is Kerala. It is a proud part of India. Yet, an FIR has been lodged for making a Pookkalam with the words “Operation Sindoor” in it. Absolutely Unacceptable! Operation Sindoor is our pride. It is the symbol of the valour and courage of India’s armed forces. It is an operation that avenged the death of 26 innocent tourists who were killed after being asked their religion. This FIR by Kerala Police is an insult to each of those 26 victims of Terror and their families, and also every soldier who defends India with his blood and sacrifice.

“Thousands of Malayalis wear the uniform, guard our borders, and lay down their lives for the Tricolour. In the name of every Malayali who believes in serving the nation, this FIR and this type of shameless appeasement will be opposed. Kerala is not, and will never be, a land ruled by Jamaat-e-Islami or Pakistan. Kerala Police must not forget that this is India. To them and to the CM/Home Minister @pinarayivijayan ji, I say withdraw this shameful and seditious FIR. Now!,” Mr. Chandrasekhar tweeted.