After Charge Revision, SIT to Conduct Further Probe into Alleged Assault on Veena George

Kerala Police is set to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a further probe into the alleged attack on former Health Minister Veena George by Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists at Kannur railway station in February this year.

The decision to order a fresh investigation was taken by the Home Department following petitions submitted by both the Congress and KSU activists seeking further scrutiny of the case. A senior police officer of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank is expected to head the SIT, with an official order likely to be issued soon.

The expanded probe assumes legal significance as it comes after controversy over the charges included in the initial case. Police had initially registered a case of attempt to murder against five KSU activists based on a complaint filed by George’s gunman. The FIR alleged that a weapon was used during the incident.

However, when the investigating team filed the charge sheet before the court in June, the attempt to murder charge and other serious offences were removed, leading to criticism and demands for a fresh inquiry from both sides.

The incident occurred on February 25, when five KSU activists protesting alleged medical negligence approached George at Kannur railway station while she was arriving to board a train. Following the incident, George complained of neck pain and was admitted to a hospital.

The case triggered political tensions in Kerala, with allegations of attacks on Congress offices in Kannur and other parts of the state following the incident. While the ruling side maintained that the former minister was targeted during the protest, KSU activists alleged that the case was politically motivated and claimed they were prevented from reaching George by police personnel.

The SIT’s investigation will now examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, the evidence collected so far, and the reasons behind the modification of charges during the earlier investigation. The fresh probe could determine whether additional legal action is required against those accused or whether the existing findings remain valid.