Nava Kerala Bus was not attacked; Senior officials destroyed evidence, says SIT’s report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has concluded that the claim made by the accused that Youth Congress workers pelted stones at the bus during former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Nava Kerala Yatra is false. The report says that senior officials colluded to sabotage the case and destroy evidence. According to the SIT, forensic examinations failed to establish that the bus was attacked with stones. It also states that the testimony of the KSRTC bus driver contradicts the allegations against the accused. KSRTC driver Abhilash reportedly testified that the Nava Kerala bus was not attacked. The report further notes that neither the KSRTC mechanical engineer's report nor official records mention any damage to the bus.

The SIT report surfaced on the day the accused' bail pleas is to be considered in court. Opposing bail, the SIT stated that even evidence presented before the court had been destroyed and that officials overseeing the investigation had tampered with evidence. The team argued that custodial interrogation of the accused is essential and warned that granting bail could obstruct the course of justice.

The bus had been moving without interruption. Instead of ensuring its movement under Z+ security cover as prescribed in the Yellow Book protocol, the accused allegedly stopped the vehicle and assaulted the protesters for about 11 seconds.

The SIT maintained that the inclusion of Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) was based on available evidence. It said medical experts had testified that the assault was severe enough to potentially cause death. The charge of attempt to culpable homicide was therefore supported by medical reports as well.

The incident happened in December 2023. During the Nava Kerala Yatra led by former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Youth Congress workers who waved black flags in Alappuzha were allegedly assaulted. Gunman Anil Kumar and escort police officers Arun, Vipin, and Sandeep are the accused in the case.