Gunmen's 'rescue operation': SIT finds assault unlawful, four accused likely to face action

ALAPPUZHA: A move is being made to initiate action against the four gunmen attached to the security team of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the incident where Youth Congress workers were brutally assaulted during the Nava Kerala Sadas. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has found that the assault was unlawful. SP Shoukath Ali is expected to submit the report to the DGP soon. The SIT also stated that the police action is clearly visible in the video footage.

MLA A.D. Thomas and Youth Congress General Secretary Ajay Jewel Kuriakose were beaten by the gunmen. SP Shoukath Ali and his team reviewed the investigation procedures and witness statements after obtaining the case files from the District Crime Branch DySP office. After the arrival of DySP Baiju K. Paulose, who is also part of the investigation team, the accused gunmen are expected to be summoned to Alappuzha for questioning. Former Chief Minister’s gunman Anilkumar and security team member Sandeep are listed as the first and second accused in the case. Some others, who are yet to be identified, have also been named as accused.

The incident took place on December 15, 2023, near the General Hospital Junction, after the victims were taken into police custody. The gunmen from the escort vehicle allegedly assaulted them brutally. A case was registered after A D Thomas and Ajay Jewel Kuriakose approached the court over the serious injuries they suffered to their heads, hands and legs. It was alleged that the case was later sabotaged due to interference from the Chief Minister's Office and political influence.

Although videos of the assault had gone viral, the case was initially weakened after a DySP filed a refer report citing a lack of evidence. However, after examining the visuals, the Alappuzha Judicial First Class Magistrate Court ordered a reinvestigation in November 2024.

The District Crime Branch had earlier submitted a report stating that the officers acted as part of their official duty and were not guilty. Following the decision of the new government, a seven-member Special Investigation Team has now begun a fresh investigation into the case.