Attack on Youth Congress workers: CM's gunman, security official did not appear for questioning; did not see them attacking protesters, says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister's gunman Anil Kumar and security officer Sandeep did not appear for questioning yesterday in the case of physically assaulting Youth Congress and KSU leaders during the protest related to the Nava Kerala Sadas. Both of them informed the Alappuzha South Police Station through e-mail that they could not appear for questioning as they were busy with work. The two also stated that they would appear on another day. Both Anil Kumar and Sandeep had reached the Legislative Assembly with the Chief Minister yesterday as part of their duty.

The case is that both of them had beaten KSU district president Thomas and Youth Congress leader Ajay Juel Kuriakose with a long stick when they protested against the Nava Kerala bus at the Alappuzha General Hospital junction on December 16.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan replied in writing in the Legislative Assembly that he had not seen the security personnel beating up the protesters. According to the Chief Minister, there was no attack on anyone who protested democratically in connection with the Nava Kerala Sadas. There is no provision to beat the protestors. The Chief Minister's reply was to the question of whether there was a legal provision to beat the protesters on the head with a lathi.

The Congress alleged that the Chief Minister's security personnel did not appear for questioning because they colluded with the police. The Congress is planning to approach the court again as the arrest is getting prolonged.