Nava Kerala bus protest: CM’s security staff face non-bailable charges after bail dismissal

ALAPPUZHA: In a significant escalation of legal proceedings, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is set to invoke non-bailable charges, including attempt to murder, against the bodyguards of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The accused, identified as Anilkumar and Sandeep, are facing prosecution for the alleged assault of an opposition MLA and Youth Congress leader Ajay Juel Kuriakose during the controversial Nava Kerala Sadas bus protests.

The development follows the District Sessions Court’s outright rejection of the anticipatory bail petitions filed by the duo, who function as the first and second accused in the case. Mirroring the gravity of the judicial setback, the government has officially placed both security personnel under suspension, clearing the decks for the SIT to initiate stringent measures, including potential arrests.

According to sources close to the investigation, the police are awaiting the forensic evaluation of a mobile phone that captured live footage of the altercation. Investigators view this video as a pivotal piece of evidence, essential for establishing collective culpability, proving the physical involvement of the accused, and demonstrating the severity of the assault in a court of law.

While the probe team refrained from recording statements or conducting interrogations today, legal experts note a strategic move in the SIT's courtroom approach. The initial report submitted by the police during the bail hearing deliberately omitted any indication that non-bailable charges would be added—a tactical decision that effectively weakened the defence's position and led to the dismissal of the bail plea. With forensic reports pending, the state police are poised to tighten the legal noose around the Chief Minister's security detail.