The Ernakulam Town South police have booked 100 people in connection with a protest meet held in Kochi, allegedly without permission, in solidarity with the ongoing student agitation in Delhi.

The case has been registered by the police suo motu over an event attended by celebrities including rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, near Central Park in Panampilly Nagar on Wednesday (July 22, 2026).

The First Information Report has mentioned Vignesh G. Pillai, reportedly the organiser of the event, as the prime accused. Ninety-nine identifiable people have also been booked.

The accused have been booked on charges of obstructing public way, disobedience to lawful orders and unlawful assembly under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Panampilly Nagar event was among a series of meets held in different parts of Kochi in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation in Delhi seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the leak of NEET question papers.

Addressing the meet from atop an open van surrounded by a young crowd, Vedan had urged the youth to spread the strike further.

Writer Sunny M. Kapikad, filmmaker Sohan Seenulal, footballer C.K. Vineeth, rapper Gabri, singers Rasmi Satheesh and Aloshy were among those who attended the protest meet.

Published - July 24, 2026 10:25 am IST