Kerala college's magazine depicting Modi withdrawn

A college in this Kerala district Monday decided to withdraw the institution's magazine that had shown Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other national leaders in poor light after the issue sparked off controversy.

The decision was taken at an urgently called meeting of the students, teachers and the principal of the Sree Krishna College in Guruvayur near here.

"The magazine has been withdrawn. Those responsible for the magazine have been asked to explain their conduct," said an informed source, who did not wish to be identified.

The local police Sunday arrested nine students who were part of the editorial team of the magazine. They were later released on bail.

Incidentally, this is the second instance of a college magazine in Kerala depicting Modi in poor light. The first one was also from institution in this district - the Government Polytechnic at Kunnamkulam.

This happened last week and those responsible for the content were arrested but later released on bail. The magazine also was withdrawn.

Seeking to distance themselves from the controversy, the principals at both these educational institutions expressed ignorance of the content.

Modi was the central character defamed in a crossword with objectionable content at the Sree Krishna College magazine, while in the other, his picture figured in the company of Osama Bin Laden, Ajmal Kasab and Adolf Hitler.