Court orders further investigation into police action against Youth Congress, KSU protesters during Nava Kerala Sadas

ALAPPUZHA: Alappuzha First Class Judicial Magistrate Court has ordered a further investigation into alleged police brutality during a protest by Youth Congress and KSU workers at the Chief Minister’s Nava Kerala Sadas. The incident, which involved alleged assaults by police on protesters, has raised serious questions about the conduct of the police and the integrity of the initial investigation.

The court's decision comes after it reviewed a petition filed by Youth Congress State General Secretary Ajay Jewell Kuriakos and KSU Alappuzha District President AD Thomas, who were injured during the protest. They provided video footage allegedly showing Chief Minister's gunman, Anil Kumar and security personnel, Sandeep, attacking them with lathis. The footage, submitted as evidence, contradicted the findings of the district Crime Branch, which had previously cleared both officers of any wrongdoing, stating that their actions fell within the scope of their duties.

The protest took place on December 15, near Alappuzha General Hospital, where the Youth Congress and KSU leaders had gathered to voice dissent as the Chief Minister’s convoy passed through the area. The petitioners sustained injuries to the head and limbs as a result of the confrontation, which they allege involved excessive force by the police.

Despite the petitioners’ submission of video evidence, Crime Branch officials initially dismissed the footage and ruled that the actions of the gunman and security guard were part of routine security measures. However, the court found that this conclusion overlooked critical evidence presented by the complainants and subsequently rejected the Crime Branch’s report.