SIT rejects 'rescue act' claim, terms assault by CM’s gunmen 'attempt to murder'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant development in the 2023 Navakerala Sadas assault case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted an interim report to State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar, characterising the assault on Youth Congress and KSU activists by the former Chief Minister’s security detail as an "attempt to murder" rather than a life-saving measure.

Speaking to Kerala Kaumudi, the Police Chief confirmed receipt of the emailed report and stated that it would be officially reviewed on Tuesday.

Violation of Security Protocol

The SIT probe concluded that the high-handed actions of the gunmen were a gross violation of police regulations and constituted a clear criminal offence. According to the report, local police personnel had already successfully contained and cordoned off the black-flag protestors in Alappuzha. Therefore, the Chief Minister’s personal security detail had no operational justification to intervene.

Furthermore, the report highlights that the security officers were unauthorised to use lathis. Defying protocol, the security personnel reportedly jumped out of the VIP escort vehicle after the Chief Minister's car had safely passed, cornered the demonstrators, and struck them on their heads. The Crime Branch team, headed by SP Shoukathali, has already named five police officers—including primary gunmen Anil Kumar and Sandeep S.—as accused in a report filed before the Alappuzha Court. Sources indicate that departmental suspensions and imminent arrests are likely for the five accused.

Silence on higher-level tampering

Intriguingly, the interim report remains tight-lipped about the alleged political interference by the then ADGP (Law and Order) M.R. Ajith Kumar, who was previously accused of altering the initial inquiry findings. While the report bypasses this controversy, internal department sources whisper that two Grade SIs attached to the ADGP’s office had reportedly intercepted and modified official case files under higher-up directives.

Anticipatory bail hearing tomorrow

Meanwhile, the Alappuzha Sessions Court is scheduled to hear the anticipatory bail pleas of the prime accused, Anil Kumar and Sandeep S., on Tuesday. The prosecution is expected to strongly counter the bail applications, demanding custodial interrogation to recover the weapons used in the assault and to investigate the fraudulent alterations made to the official case diary.