SIT Finds No Assault on Veena George by KSU Activists, Submits Report

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged assault on former Kerala Health Minister Veena George by Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists at Kannur railway station has concluded that no assault took place, official sources said on Sunday.

The SIT, headed by U Preman, Commandant of the Kerala Armed Police Battalion, recently submitted its report to State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar, who had ordered a further investigation into the incident.

During the probe, the team recorded statements from George, her security personnel and police officers who had initially investigated the case and filed a charge sheet.

According to sources, the SIT found that George was not attacked with any weapon, as alleged. The activists were allegedly stopped by her security personnel before they could reach her.

The police chief will decide on further action based on the findings. Possible measures include disciplinary action against George's former gunman and the police team that initially investigated the case and arrested the activists, sources said.

The case was registered at Kannur Railway Police Station following a black-flag protest against George on February 25, when she was serving as Health Minister. Five KSU activists had approached the minister at the railway station while she was preparing to board a train, protesting against alleged medical negligence.

George subsequently complained of neck pain and was admitted to a hospital. Based on a complaint filed by her gunman, police registered a case of attempted murder and arrested the five activists. The FIR alleged that a weapon had been used during the incident.

The activists, however, denied approaching George and alleged that police personnel had prevented them from reaching her. Demands for a fresh investigation intensified after the attempted-murder charge and other serious offences were dropped when the police filed a charge sheet before a court in June.

After the UDF government assumed office, the Home Department constituted the SIT on August 3 to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Further action now rests with the State Police Chief.