Allegations of attack on former Kerala Minister Veena George proven false

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has reported that no evidence has been found in the allegations of an attack made by KSU workers on former Kerala Health Minister Veena George. According to a report by The Hindu, the SIT, while investigating the alleged attack that took place at Kannur railway station, stated on Sunday that nothing happened in the manner the attack was claimed to have occurred.

The SIT, led by Commandant U. Praman of the Kerala Armed Police Battalion, recently submitted its report to State Police Chief Ravindra A. Chandrasekhar. The State Police Chief had ordered a deeper investigation into the incident. As part of the investigation, the SIT recorded statements from Veena George, her security personnel, and all the police officers who had initially investigated the case and filed the chargesheet.

In its findings, the SIT stated that no kind of armed attack was carried out on Veena George. Furthermore, as the KSU workers were stopped by her security personnel, they could not even reach the Minister. Based on this report, the State Police Chief will now take further steps. This may include disciplinary action against Veena George's former gunman, as the FIR was filed alleging an armed attack based solely on his statement.

Additionally, action may also be taken against the police team that initially investigated the case and arrested the KSU workers. This entire matter began on 25 February, when a protest was carried out against Veena George by showing a black flag at Kannur railway station. At that time, she was the Health Minister. Five KSU workers, who were protesting against allegations of medical negligence, reached her when she arrived at the station to catch a train. Subsequently, Veena George complained of neck pain and was admitted to the hospital.

Based on the complaint filed by the Minister's gunman, the police had registered a case of attempted murder and arrested five workers. The FIR alleged that a weapon was used in the incident. However, the KSU workers had alleged a conspiracy in this matter and claimed that they had not even reached Veena George and were stopped by the police. When the investigation team filed the chargesheet in court in the month of June, the charges of attempted murder and other serious offences were removed, which led to demands for further investigation. After the United Democratic Front (UDF) government came to power, the Home Department formed the SIT on 3 August to establish all the facts.