Kerala police implicates journalist in shoe hurling case, CPM Govt backs police
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Thiruvananthapuram: VG Vineetha, a journalist associated with Malayalam television channel 24 News, finds herself entangled in a legal battle as the fifth accused in a recent shoe-hurling incident targeting the bus of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The incident unfolded during the state government's outreach program, Nava Kerala Sadas, on December 10, organized by the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the opposition Congress.
Initially, the Kuruppampady police had filed an FIR against four individuals linked to KSU, accusing them of various offenses, including danger in public way, attempt to commit culpable homicide, and assault on a public servant.
However, on December 22, Vineetha was arraigned as the fifth accused in the case. The police allege that she was in constant communication with KSU members, suggesting foreknowledge of the planned protest. They argue that as a journalist, she should have alerted law enforcement about the impending demonstration.
Although the exact charges against Vineetha have not been officially disclosed, 24 News reports that she is facing accusations of criminal conspiracy. This development has sparked widespread protests within the media community in Kerala, with many questioning the legitimacy of booking a journalist for being in contact with political figures before a protest—an inherent part of journalistic practice.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed support for the police action, challenging the media to prove the absence of a conspiracy. He emphasized that journalism is welcome, but if the police have registered a conspiracy case, it must be addressed.
Left Democratic Front (LDF) Convener EP Jayarajan reassured the public that it is not the government's policy to take action against journalists, underscoring the commitment to press freedom.
However, recent instances of police action against journalists, including cases against Rejaz Sydeek and R Sunil, have raised concerns about the potential stifling of free speech.