KSU Activists Released After Protests; Minister's Medical Report Shows No Injuries
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kannur (Kerala), March 13 (NationPress) New inquiries have emerged regarding the black flag demonstration against Kerala's Health Minister Veena George after her medical examination revealed no apparent injuries. This development comes on the heels of the release of five student activists from jail on Friday evening, who were detained in connection with the incident.
The activists, affiliated with the Kerala Students Union (KSU), were apprehended on February 25 shortly after they demonstrated against the minister at Kannur Railway Station.
They were taken into custody within an hour of the protest and subsequently held in Kannur Central Jail for over two weeks before their release.
The situation has escalated following the medical report, which indicated no signs of cuts, bruises, or any injuries caused by weapons. The only complaint noted was discomfort when certain areas of the neck were touched.
This finding raises concerns as the initial complaint suggested that the minister had been assaulted with a weapon during the protest.
Police had previously stated that no weapon was involved in the incident.
After the protest, the minister claimed to have sustained neck injuries and was treated at the District General Hospital.
The detained activists have consistently refuted the accusations, asserting that they did not come close enough to the minister to inflict any harm.
Following his release, KSU activist Atul claimed that the entire episode was a “well-orchestrated narrative” involving A. N. Shamseer, the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, and the minister’s security personnel, suggesting that the minister performed her role convincingly.
“We were incarcerated from February 25 for merely waving a black flag. At no point did we approach the minister. This represents a gross abuse of authority and a misuse of police power,” he remarked.
This incident has sparked renewed political discourse within the state, with opposition figures accusing the administration of exploiting police powers to suppress protests, while the ruling party asserts that the minister's safety was jeopardized during the demonstration.
Social media continues to share an image of Veena George wearing a neck collar.