Kerala: Senior BJP Leader Remanded in Hate Speech Case
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Synopsis
On February 24, P.C. George, a prominent BJP leader in Kerala, was sent to judicial remand for two weeks after being accused of hate speech against the Muslim community during a television debate. His prior bail plea was rejected by the Kerala High Court, leading to his arrest.
Key Takeaways
- P.C. George has been a significant political figure in Kerala.
- He faces allegations of making derogatory remarks against Muslims.
- The Kerala High Court denied his bail plea on February 21.
- George is currently under 14-day judicial custody.
- The BJP claims political bias in the treatment of George's case.
Kottayam, Feb 24 (NationPress) P.C. George, a seasoned politician and seven-time former legislator, was placed under judicial remand for a period of two weeks due to a hate speech incident.
George faced allegations of making inflammatory comments against a specific community during a televised debate.
On February 21, the Kerala High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail request, leading to his inevitable arrest.
On Monday, he voluntarily appeared before the local court at Erattupettah around 11 a.m. The court initially ordered him to remain in police custody until 6 p.m., but later decided on a 14-day judicial custody.
Following his interrogation, George was taken to a government hospital for a routine check-up before being escorted back to court.
At 73, George has had a lengthy political journey, having been part of various political groups before establishing his own party, which he later integrated with the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
George currently holds a prominent position within the BJP in Kerala. Notably, on February 17, the High Court criticized him for repeatedly ignoring orders from both the Magistrate Court and the High Court, which ultimately led to the rejection of his plea on February 21.
Previously, the High Court had granted him bail with the stipulation that he would avoid making inciting statements.
The accusations against him include claims that he referred to the Muslim community as “terrorists and communalists” and asserted that “no Muslim living in India is free from terrorism.”
Additionally, he allegedly suggested that members of the Muslim community should consider migrating to Pakistan.
In response, K. Surendran, the State BJP president, remarked that the government led by Pinarayi Vijayan is unjustly targeting a senior leader like George, despite his apology, while numerous Muslim leaders who have made serious remarks against Hindu and Christian beliefs remain unpunished.
