SIT clears KSU activists of alleged attack on former minister Veena George
A special investigation team found that five activists did not assault the former Health Minister during a protest at Kannur railway station.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has reported that five Kerala Students' Union (KSU) activists did not assault former Health Minister Veena George during a protest at Kannur railway station earlier this year. According to The Hawk, SIT head U. Preman submitted a final report to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Kannur stating that the charges of rioting, trespassing, and obstructing police cannot be sustained.
The investigation found that the protesters never reached the former minister during the black-flag demonstration on February 25. The SIT noted that a black-flag protest does not constitute a criminal offence. The original case, which included attempted murder charges, was based on a statement by the former minister's gunman, Abhilash, who claimed protesters used weapons.
The SIT found that Abhilash changed his statement, telling investigators he had not seen any attempt to attack George. Mathrubhumi reported that the gunman admitted to providing a false statement under the direction of the former minister. Additionally, Sub-Inspector Deepti informed investigators that initial officers had created a fraudulent document in her name claiming the former minister was knocked to the ground.
The SIT concluded that the incident involved a scuffle between KSU activists and the police rather than an assault on the minister. Current Health Minister K. Muraleedharan expressed astonishment at the panic caused by the protest.
State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar is reportedly evaluating disciplinary action against the gunman and the initial investigating officers who filed the records.
The Home Department formed the SIT on August 3 to establish the facts after the UDF replaced the LDF administration. Student leaders have requested legal proceedings against the former minister for fabricating the charges.