Kannur, 27 Feb (H.S.): Kerala Health Minister Veena George was discharged from hospital early Friday morning after receiving treatment for a neck injury sustained during a protest by KSU activists in Kannur. She was discharged around 4 a.m. and later left for Thiruvananthapuram by car for further medical care.

Hospital authorities said the decision to discharge the minister was taken following an online medical board meeting. Doctors noted that her condition had improved and her blood pressure had returned to normal levels. She is expected to continue treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

Earlier, doctors had confirmed that the minister suffered a neck injury and had undergone detailed medical examinations, including an MRI scan, to assess the extent of the damage. While the injury was described as significant, her condition was reported to be stable.

The incident occurred at the Kannur railway station during a black flag protest staged by members of the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU). According to reports, the protesters attempted to breach the police cordon as the minister arrived at the station. In the ensuing scuffle, some activists allegedly grabbed and pushed her, leading to the injury.

Veena George had been in Kannur to inaugurate the Kalliasseri International Ayurveda Research Centre and was returning when the protest took place. Following the incident, she was rushed to the Kannur District Hospital for immediate treatment.

The episode has triggered sharp political reactions across the state, with the ruling CPI(M) condemning the protest as an act of violence, while the Congress has contested the sequence of events. Police have registered a case and are examining video footage to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman