A significant development has emerged in the case involving Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) workers accused of attempted murder during a protest against Health Minister Veena George. The minister’s statement to the police team, recorded nearly two months after the incident, contradicts the core charge, stating that only pushing and jostling occurred during the protest. This statement weakens the allegation made by her gunman of a neck injury inflicted with a weapon, which led to invoking Section 307 against the KSU workers.
With no substantial evidence supporting the attempt to murder charge, the Railway Police are expected to drop this count and proceed with lesser offenses in the chargesheet. The protest took place during the minister’s visit to Kannur, where she faced black flag demonstrations at multiple locations. The situation escalated at the railway station following an alleged assault earlier in the day, resulting in a brief confrontation marked by pushing and shouting.
The accused spent over two weeks in jail before being granted bail. Despite the lack of evidence supporting the serious charge, the case had sparked controversy and raised questions about the use of such provisions in politically charged scenarios. The minister’s delayed statement and the absence of corroborative evidence have led to a reassessment of the case, highlighting the potential misuse of criminal charges in such incidents.
