The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to submit a report regarding a petition filed by Athul M C, a KSU functionary from Kannur who is the first accused in a case related to the alleged attack on former Health Minister Veena George at Kannur railway station. The petitioner has sought an order to entrust the investigation to a senior officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Court Adjourns Hearing
Justice G Gireesh adjourned the matter for further consideration after two weeks. According to the prosecution, on February 25, when Veena George arrived at the railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express to Thiruvananthapuram, members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), including the petitioner, allegedly attacked her.
Petitioner's Contentions
Athul's plea contends that the allegations in the First Information Report (FIR) were exaggerated and did not reflect the actual events. He further alleged that serious offences such as attempt to murder and voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons had been included in the case without any basis. According to him, it was a protest that took place in a highly secure public area under extensive police presence and surveillance, and the entire incident was captured on CCTV footage that was widely circulated in the media. He also claimed that there was no evidence to invoke the alleged offences against the protesters, including himself.
Prosecution's Submission
During the hearing, the Public Prosecutor informed the High Court that the final report in the case had already been filed before the jurisdictional court. Consequently, the High Court sought a report regarding the offences incorporated in the case and posted the matter to June 29 for further proceedings.
You can also check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi
