Temporary dentist removed after joining protest against Kerala minister

A dentist working temporarily at Kanhangad District Hospital in Kerala has been removed from service after taking part in a black-flag protest against Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh, The Hindu reported. The dentist, Dr.

Sidharth Ravindran, was employed under the National Health Mission. Health authorities said his participation in the political protest violated the terms and conditions of the agreement he signed when he joined the service. The incident took place on Thursday, when Mr.

Janeesh visited Kasaragod district for several programmes. The Democratic Youth Federation of India organised a black-flag protest against the Minister at Kanhangad. Photographs later emerged showing Dr.

Ravindran waving a black flag at the Minister’s vehicle. The images were submitted with a complaint by Youth Congress activists to the Health department. The Hosdurg police also registered a case against Dr.

Sidharth in connection with the protest. The source material did not specify the sections of law involved or whether anyone else was charged. Following the complaint, authorities began action against the dentist.

The dismissal order reportedly cited a breach of the agreement signed with the District Health and Family Welfare Society at the time of his appointment. Health officials said participation in a political protest, contrary to the appointment conditions, formed the basis for removing him from service. The report did not include a response from Dr.

Ravindran, the DYFI or the Minister’s office. It also did not state whether the dentist planned to challenge the order or whether the police case had progressed beyond registration.