Attack on Veena George: SIT begins further investigation, former minister’s statement to be recorded

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has begun further investigation in the case of KSU activists attacking former health minister Veena George. The team is planning to record the statements of Veena George and her gunman. The SIT will also examine the CCTV footage from Kannur Railway Station.

The DGP issued an order on Monday forming the SIT to conduct a further investigation into the case. U Preman, commandant of the fourth armed battalion, has been appointed as the head of the team, while Kannur City Assistant Commissioner A P Azad will be the investigating officer. Kannur MLA T O Mohanan had filed a complaint seeking a detailed investigation into the case. The SIT will primarily investigate whether there was a conspiracy behind the incident.

The case is presently being investigated by the railway police. Five KSU activists, including the Kannur district president, were remanded in connection with the attack on Veena George during a protest at the railway station. They were later granted bail. This is the third further investigation ordered by the UDF government into protest-related incidents involving Youth Congress and KSU activists during the tenure of the previous government.

The case was registered based on the statement of Veena George’s gunman, who alleged that KSU activists armed with weapons pounced on the minister during the protest and injured her neck. However, in the statement she gave to the railway police months later, Veena George said that she was injured during the pushing and shoving that took place amid the protest.