Kozhikode: The Congress party has demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for five Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists who were imprisoned for 15 days in connection with a black flag protest against Health Minister Veena George. The demand follows the minister's clarification that no weapon was used against her during the incident.
Congress Leader Criticizes Handling of Case
Congress leader T O Mohanan stated that although the case was initially registered as an alleged attempt to kill using weapons, it was only after two months that George clarified no attack had occurred. He argued that had she made this statement earlier, the case would have been dismissed at the outset, and the KSU workers—including those observing a fast during Ramzan—would not have had to spend 15 days in jail.
Allegations of Fake Complaint
Mohanan alleged that Health Minister Veena George and Speaker A N Shamseer deliberately filed a fake complaint with the intention of having the activists jailed. He pointed out the lack of visual evidence from media footage or CCTV cameras at the railway station to support the claim of an assault on George.
Highlighting procedural lapses, Mohanan noted that although the incident occurred at 3:15 pm and the workers were taken into custody immediately, the police registered an FIR only by 10:45 pm, rendering the detention illegal. Since George later stated she was not injured, the basis for a medico-legal case collapses, he added.
Legal Action Sought
The Congress leader announced that a case would be filed in the High Court seeking compensation under public law remedies, similar to those granted in cases like Nambi Narayanan and Tajudeen of Chakkarakkal. He demanded that the amount be recovered from the minister, her gunman, and the policemen responsible for the alleged false case.
The demand underscores ongoing political tensions in Kerala over the handling of protests and legal proceedings against student activists.
