MP Anto Antony to Pursue Legal Action Against CPM Leader Over False Sabarimala Allegations
Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony has declared his intention to take legal action against former CPM district secretary K P Udayabhanu for making what he calls baseless and defamatory allegations against him. The controversy stems from a series of accusations that have been publicly debunked, yet continue to circulate, prompting the MP to seek judicial recourse to clear his name and hold the accuser accountable.
First Allegation: Sabarimala Gold Heist Connection Debunked
The initial accusation against Antony emerged from a photograph showing Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case, meeting Sonia Gandhi in Delhi. Critics, including Udayabhanu, attempted to link Antony to this meeting, implying wrongdoing. However, Antony has clarified that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe conclusively proved he had no connection to the incident or the individuals involved. "Once the SIT investigation proved that I had no connection with this, the allegation fell apart," Antony stated, emphasizing that the evidence exonerated him completely.
Second Allegation: Financial Fraud Claim Refuted
Another serious accusation leveled by Udayabhanu alleged that Antony withdrew Rs 2.5 crore belonging to the Sabarimala tanthri from a private financial institution in Thiruvalla. This claim, however, was swiftly refuted when the owner of the institution came forward to clarify the situation. The owner confirmed that no such deposit existed and that he had never met the tanthri in person, effectively debunking the allegation. Antony criticized Udayabhanu for persisting with false claims despite this clear rebuttal, accusing him of spreading misinformation through social media platforms like Facebook without retracting or apologizing.
New Accusation Emerges Amidst Legal Threats
Despite the collapse of the previous allegations, Antony revealed that the CPM has introduced a new accusation. "They brought forward a financial institution owner who spent about six months in jail to claim that I received Rs 2 crore from him," Antony said. In response, he has issued a direct challenge to Udayabhanu and the alleged financial institution owner, demanding they produce any documentary evidence to substantiate this claim. Antony firmly denies receiving any such money and asserts that this latest allegation is another attempt to tarnish his reputation without basis.
Legal Action and Political Implications
Frustrated by the continuous spread of false accusations, Antony has announced his decision to move legally against Udayabhanu. This step underscores his commitment to defending his integrity and highlights the broader issue of political mudslinging in Kerala. The case draws attention to the contentious political environment in the state, where allegations often fly without substantial proof, impacting public trust and political discourse. Antony's move may set a precedent for how politicians address defamation and false claims in the digital age.
As the situation unfolds, observers note that this legal battle could have significant repercussions for both individuals and their respective political parties. Antony's stance reflects a growing trend among public figures to seek judicial intervention against slander, aiming to uphold accountability and truth in political narratives.
