Kerala health minister attacked, suffers serious neck injury; 5 arrested
What's the story
Kerala Health Minister Veena George was injured in a protest led by the Kerala Students Union (KSU) at Kannur Railway Station on Wednesday. The incident took place near the ticket counter when she was about to board the Vande Bharat train. During the protest, a scuffle broke out and George suffered injuries to her neck. She was later admitted to Kannur District Hospital. The protesters were demonstrating against alleged repeated cases of medical negligence in government hospitals across the state.
Legal action
5 KSU activists arrested
Five KSU activists have been arrested in connection with the attack on George. A case has been registered against them under attempt to murder charges. The First Information Report (FIR) filed by Railway Police states that this was a premeditated act, not a spontaneous scuffle. According to the FIR, the incident occurred at 3:15pm on Wednesday. George and her security officer were about to board the train when activists allegedly entered the area, brandishing a "weapon."
Attack details
FIR states activists entered station with weapon
The FIR reveals that the activists waved black flags and raised slogans against George before attacking her. They specifically targeted her neck with the weapon, the FIR states. When George's security detail intervened, he was also allegedly attacked and restrained. The complaint further alleges that they tried to stop George from performing her duties.
Political response
Political controversy erupts in Kerala
The incident has sparked a political controversy in Kerala. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has condemned the attack as "planned" and "undemocratic." Kerala Minister J Chinchu Rani slammed the opposition's tactics, calling them "uncivilized and aggressive." "The Congress and its youth organizations are going after ministers and deliberately creating provocations... The approach of the Congress youth organizations is uncivilized and aggressive. The people of Kerala will respond against it."
Ongoing protests
KSU, Congress deny allegations
Meanwhile, Senior CPI(M) leader MV Jayarajan alleged a "suicide attacker" was involved in an attempt on George's life. "The attack took place with the motive to kill her," he said. He also claimed that a wreath had been placed at the minister's official residence in Thiruvananthapuram to symbolize that she was "dead." The KSU and Congress have denied the allegations against them.