A dentist working temporarily at the Kanhangad District Hospital under the National Health Mission was removed from service after he participated in a black flag protest organised by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) against Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh in Kanhangad.

Dr. Sidharth Ravindran was dismissed after authorities concluded that his participation in the political protest violated the terms and conditions of the agreement he had signed while joining the service.

Case registered

The incident occurred on Thursday when Mr. Janeesh arrived in Kasaragod district to attend various programmes. The DYFI organised a black flag protest against the Minister at Kanhangad in which Dr. Ravindran also participated. Photographs showing the doctor taking part in the protest by waving black flag at the Minister’s vehicle subsequently emerged. The Hosdurg police had registered a case against Dr. Sidharth in connection with the protest. Also, Youth Congress activists submitted a complaint, accompanied by photographs showing the doctor’s participation in the protest, to the Health department. Following the complaint, action was initiated against him.

The dismissal order reportedly cited violation of the conditions of the agreement signed by Dr. Sidharth with the District Health and Family Welfare Society at the time of his appointment. According to health authorities, participation in a political protest contrary to the terms of the agreement was the basis for the action.