Alappuzha, 26 May (H.S.):

The case stems from a complaint filed by Alappuzha MLA A.D. Thomas and Youth Congress state general secretary Ajay Juel Kuriakose, who alleged that they were assaulted by members of the former Chief Minister’s security team during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme in Alappuzha.

Initially, Pinarayi Vijayan’s gunman Anil Kumar and security personnel S. Sandeep were named as accused. Subsequently, three additional members of the former Chief Minister’s escort team were also included in the case on Saturday.

Anil Kumar and Sandeep have approached the court seeking anticipatory bail. The SIT, however, has filed a report opposing their plea and also submitted a detailed investigation report to the DGP.

The six-member SIT, headed by Crime Branch SP Shoukath Ali with DySP Baiju Paulose serving as the investigating officer, was formed shortly after the United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan assumed office. The team has already questioned former police and Crime Branch officials who had handled the case earlier and later recommended closure.

According to preliminary findings, investigators suspect there may have been attempts by higher authorities during the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to derail the original investigation. Initial inquiry records reportedly prepared by then Alappuzha DSP Sunil Raj had referred to video evidence of the alleged assault. However, investigators suspect that the findings were later altered to indicate that no such footage existed after discussions with senior officials.

The current probe relies heavily on visual evidence and witness statements. Thomas and Kuriakose have also urged investigators to invoke Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to attempt to murder, against the newly added accused. Departmental action against the police personnel involved is also likely to follow.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman