Activists of the Popular Front of India (PFI) numbering more than 300 were removed by the police when they staged a demonstration in front of Red Cross Society Building in the city on Thursday defying denial of permission for the same.
The PFI activists led by District President K. Raja Hussain, Tirupur District President K. Basheer Ahmed and Mettupalayam President A. Mohammed Meeran were demanding action against an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The police officer Rathinasabapathy while working as Assistant Commissioner in Coimbatore on July 22, 2006 had registered a case against five youths belonging to the minority community on charges of preparing bombs for causing explosion. Materials “recovered” from them were also listed as material objects in the case.
Following objections from the community, the case was transferred to the Special Investigation Team of the Crime Branch CID. The SIT filed its final report in October 2007 stating that the case was false and fabricated.
Since then the minority outfits have been seeking action against the police official. In the last two years, the outfits organised a poster campaign and signature campaign. PFI activists said that the government that failed to act on their representation had posted the official back to Coimbatore. PFI this year sought the removal of the official from service and announced agitation.
Since permission was denied, the police removed them.
Meanwhile, State President M. Mohammed Ali Jinnah has announced that in continuation of the agitation, PFI is planning a rally towards Secretariat on July 23.
