Kerala: Veena George’s gunman says he did not witness attack by KSU activists

Thiruvananthapuram: Fresh questions have emerged over the case involving alleged assault on former Kerala Health Minister Veena George, after her personal gunman reportedly told investigators that he did not witness KSU activists attacking her.

Abhilash, who was questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), reportedly said he had made his earlier statement to the Railway Police at George's direction. His initial account had contributed to the filing of serious charges, including attempted murder, against the arrested Kerala Students Union activists.

The incident occurred at Kannur railway station towards the end of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government's tenure. The arrested activists spent time in custody before obtaining bail.

George had claimed she sustained injuries during the episode and was admitted to a government hospital. Her discharge within two days and subsequent road journey had prompted questions about the circumstances of the alleged assault and the handling of the case.

The latest development comes as George faces political challenges following her defeat in the Assembly election from Aranmula, where she had won in 2016 and 2021. She continues to hold an invitee position on the CPI(M) state committee.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had selected George, a former television journalist, as the party's candidate in 2016 before appointing her Health Minister. The latest disclosure could renew scrutiny of the case and the allegations made at the time.

With IANS inputs