'How can you charge a man with attempted murder for throwing shoes at bus? you should protect not only ministers but also public'; HC slams police

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday came down heavily on the Kerala police in the case where KSU workers hurled shoes at the Nava Kerala bus in Perumbavoor. The KSU workers have been booked under Section 308 of IPC. This section deals with attempted murder. The Perumbavoor First Class Judicial Magistrate Court asked how Section 308 would stand in the case.

"How can you impose Section 308 against a person for throwing shoes at the bus? The KSU workers threw the shoes at the bus. The shoe did not fall inside the bus. Then how can you book them for attempted murder?" the court pointed out.

"You must not only protect the ministers but also the people. Why didn't you arrest those who beat up the accused in public? Justice should be ensured for all," the court said.

The KSU workers hurled shoes at the Nava Kerala bus carrying the Chief Minister and other ministers the other day in Perumbavoor. Four people were arrested in the case. The court lashed out at the police when these accused were presented in court. The arrested KSU workers said that they were beaten up by people who stood in the area, including DYFI workers and organisers of Nava Kerala Sadas, soon after they hurled the shoe at the bus. They also told the court that the police were not present in the area at that time.