‘Attack’ on Minister Veena George: Kerala HC seeks govt. response on plea

The Kerala High Court on Thursday sought the State government’s response on a plea by a person who had been arraigned as among the accused, in a case relating to the alleged attempt by a group of protesters to attack Health Minister Veena George on February 25 at the Kannur railway station.

Terming the charges in the FIR exaggerated, petitioner Athul M.C., who is the Kannur district president of the KSU, demanded that a senior police officer not below the rank of a Dy.SP probe the case. He contended that no such attack took place on Ms. George, and that the youth who were arraigned were only protesting outside the entrance of the railway station by raising slogans and waving black flags.

There was extensive police presence, which CCTV footage and media visuals would prove. Moreover, police personnel had formed a protective ring around Ms. George when she arrived at the station to board a train. In addition, there was around seven hours’ delay in filing the FIR and the non-bailable sections in it, which showed that the case was registered with malafide intentions. Moreover, no weapon was recovered from the protesters.

The matter has been posted for hearing on May 19.