ST promoter dismissed in Kasaragod over alleged black flag protest against Minister

A Scheduled Tribe (ST) promoter attached to the Kasaragod Tribal Development Office has been dismissed from service for allegedly obstructing the Minister for Youth Affairs, Sports and Registration O.J. Janeesh and waving a black flag at him.Rohini E. of Parayampallam, who had been serving as an ST promoter under the Bedaduka grama panchayat, was removed from service on disciplinary grounds.The alleged incident occurred on October 1, 2026, in front of the Kuttikol panchayat office, where a group allegedly waved black flags at the Minister and obstructed his journey. A first information report was subsequently registered at the Bedakam police station in connection with the incident.Following a complaint submitted by Kolathur resident Akhilesh, the Kasaragod Tribal Extension Officer conducted an inquiry into the incident. The officer reported on October 5, 2026, that Rohini had admitted to the offence.Based on the findings, Kasaragod Tribal Development Officer K. Madhusoodanan issued an order dismissing Rohini from service with effect from the afternoon of October 7, 2026. The dismissal is subject to ratification by the Director of the Scheduled Tribes Development department. Published - October 08, 2026 09:16 pm IST