Man who tore Kodiyeri flex board in SFI rally expresses regret, cites ‘confusion’ over party poster

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Akbar Shah, a Kilikollur resident, has issued a clarification and an apology following an incident where he damaged a flex board of the late CPI(M) former State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan during a protest rally organised by the SFI Kollam District Committee.  | Photo Credit: SURESHKUMAR C

Akbar Shah, a Kilikollur resident, has issued a clarification and an apology following an incident where he damaged a flex board of the late CPI(M) former State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan during a protest rally organised by the SFI Kollam District Committee.

In a video Shah explained that he tore down the banner after “mistaking it” for promotional material of the Congress party. He further clarified that he did not intentionally infiltrate the rally and sought “forgiveness” for his actions.

Asserting his organisational background, Mr. Shah mentioned that he was previously an active worker of both the SFI and the DYFI before moving abroad for employment. While home on leave, he happened upon the demonstration in Kollam town and spontaneously joined it. He rejected claims by party leaders and cadres that he has no connection to the SFI, asserting that he was indeed a former member.

The incident had unfolded during a protest march organised by the SFI Kollam District Committee as part of a Statewide student strike. After the incident, SFI district leadership made a statement that the individual holds no membership or active role in any SFI committee. The leadership added that it needed to be investigated how he managed to enter the procession, emphasising that such behaviour was unacceptable.

The SFI Kollam District Committee had also demanded strict legal action in the matter.

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