A serious controversy has emerged in Kerala following an incident where the son of a CPM senior leader allegedly obstructed the convoy of Goa Governor Adv. P.S. Sreedharan Pillai in Kozhikode on February 6. The incident, which involved a violation of traffic rules and obstruction of a VIP with Z-Plus category security, resulted in a significant traffic jam.
Julius Nikitas, the son of the CPM Kozhikode district secretary, is at the center of the storm for purportedly driving his car into the Governor’s guarded convoy, despite heavy police presence and other security arrangements.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the security protocol and the conduct of individuals associated with prominent political figures. However, as of now, no case has been registered in connection with the incident.
The obstruction of the Goa Governor’s entourage has brought attention to the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations and respect for VIP security arrangements. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining order and discipline on the roads, especially when dealing with VIP movements.
Authorities are expected to investigate the matter further to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Reports suggest that Nikitas ignored police warnings and drove his vehicle into the Governor’s convoy. Despite instructions to move the car back, Julius purportedly refused to comply. In response, security personnel took him into custody. The Governor’s security guards reversed Nikitas’ car, allowing the convoy to proceed.
Subsequently, Nikitas and his car were taken to the police station. During interrogation, it was revealed that Julius Nikitas is the son of a senior CPM leader. Consequently, he was released after paying a Rs 1,000 penalty for traffic violations. Surprisingly, the police did not register any case against Nikitas.
The Kerala BJP leadership has strongly criticised the police and the home department, accusing them of blatant favouritism. State BJP President K. Surendran asserted that Julius should be taken into custody and thoroughly interrogated to ascertain his intentions. District President V.K. Sajeevan emphasised the severity of the security lapse and called for stringent action against Nikitas.
Amid the controversy, reports indicate that Goa Raj Bhavan has sought a report from the police regarding the incident. Kozhikode City Police Commissioner has pledged to look into the matter and take necessary steps.
However, as of now, no concrete action has been taken in the three days following the incident. The situation raises concerns, particularly in the context of the stringent security protocols in place for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Months ago, individuals in black attire, including masks, were prohibited from entering premises where the CM participated in programs.
During the widely publicised Nav Kerala Sadas, where the entire cabinet travelled in a luxury vehicle across all assembly constituencies, youth wing workers from BJP and Congress were reportedly brutally beaten by DYFI members, police, and even the CM’s gunman. In one instance, when Youth Congress workers waved black flags from the roadside, they were allegedly attacked with helmets and plant pots. Despite these incidents, no significant action has been taken, and CM Vijayan described the actions as a “rescue operation” to prevent a “suicide attempt.”
Comparatively, the Kerala Governor faces protests by SFI wherever he goes. In a particular incident, protesters approached the Governor’s car, hitting it. Often, police are criticised for being passive spectators, and if any protesters are arrested, they reportedly receive station bail. Allegations have surfaced that the Governor’s route is leaked to SFI, providing them an opportunity to gear up for protests.
In a recent incident, the Governor engaged in a sit-in protest in front of a shop until he received assurance from authorities that cases were registered against the lawbreakers. This stark contrast in the handling of security incidents involving political figures underscores the perceived partiality in VIP security in the state. The controversy surrounding Julius Nikitas has brought these issues to the forefront, raising questions about the consistency and fairness in dealing with security lapses involving influential individuals.
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