Protesting against the patriotism forced upon people by saffron groups and the CPM-led state government's tacit approval for it, writer Kamal C Chavara, who was charged with sedition for allegedly insulting the national anthem, 'cremated' his book Shmashanangalude Pusthakam in Kochi on Saturday. The writer placed his book at Kidson Corner for `public homage' for a couple of hours before burning the book.

The Indian Express

A copy of Manu Smrithi, the ancient Hindu text on caste hierarchy, was also burnt by a group of persons who reached the spot to express solidarity for Chavara. "I am setting my book on fire with much pain. But I have no option as the chief minister and the director general of police have gone back on their promises given through the media before I ended my hunger strike," Chavara said. "Though they had given assurances to free me from sedition charges and my friend Nadeer from UAPA, the police are now taking a different stand."

A case was registered against Chavara by Karunagappally police a month ago following a complaint by Yuva Morcha that his novel insulted the national anthem. He was charged under section 124 A of IPC for sedition.

The New Indian Express

"Police and intelligence officials raided my house frequently even after the assurance given by the DGP. My aged mother, my father who is a heart patient and my brother's family are traumatized due to this," said Chavara. He also pointed out that when he moved the court for anticipatory bail for Nadeer, the police countered the plea saying that Nadeer is the sixth accused in a UAPA case.

The state DGP, in a press note issued on Saturday, claimed that the sedition charge against Chavara and the UAPA case against Nadeer, in which the police are yet to file the charge sheet, were being re-examined at police headquarters. The press note also claimed that the investigation against Kamal was suspended following criticism.

Incidentally, Chavara while raising the BJP's hackles seems to have alienated CPM supporters too by saying in a Facebook post: "I wish to burn the flag of the CPM ... But I do not venture to do so as I was badly beaten up by comrades previously".