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This is an archive article published on July 26, 2023

Day after taking suo motu action, Kerala Police closes case over mic glitch during CM speech

The incident took place on Monday when Vijayan was addressing a meeting to commemorate the life of former chief minister and Congress leader Oommen Chandy, who passed away last week.

pinarayi vijayanDuring Vijayan’s address, the microphone developed a howling noise for a few seconds. (File)
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Day after taking suo motu action, Kerala Police closes case over mic glitch during CM speech
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The Kerala Police registered a suo motu case on Tuesday in connection with a microphone developing a technical snag when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was addressing a meeting. The case, which triggered outrage and ridicule, was closed on Wednesday.

The incident took place on Monday when Vijayan was addressing a meeting to commemorate the life of former chief minister and Congress leader Oommen Chandy, who passed away last week. During Vijayan’s address, the microphone developed a howling noise for a few seconds. Earlier, when Vijayan stood up to speak, some Congress workers had raised slogans, but they were silenced by Congress leaders who were on stage.

The Thiruvananthapuram city police registered a case regarding the microphone snag under the Kerala Police Act section 118(e), which deals with grave violations of public order or danger. Police also seized the microphone from the operator, and summoned the operator to the police station. The case was registered against “unknown persons”.

Congress’s V D Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, called the case strange, and said it made the office of the Chief Minister a laughing stock.

V Ajith, Deputy Police Commissioner, Thiruvananthapuram, later said that police decided not to pursue the case, which he said was initially taken up as part of security measures.

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

 

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