Doctors’ findings undermine weapon allegation in Veena George case

Doctors who examined former Kerala Health Minister Veena George following a protest at Kannur railway station have told a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that she had no visible external injuries or wounds caused by weapons, further weakening the original attempted murder allegation against five student activists.

The doctors confirmed that George complained of severe neck pain radiating towards her right arm and the back of her head. They also observed swelling around her neck, which prompted her admission to the intensive care unit at Kannur Government Medical College Hospital, Pariyaram.

The medical testimony has acquired significance following the withdrawal of crucial allegations by George’s former police gunman, Abhilash M S, whose original complaint formed the basis of the first information report (FIR).

SIT chief U Preman, Commandant of the Kerala Armed Police IV Battalion, described the gunman’s original statement as “completely manipulated”, raising questions about the circumstances in which serious criminal charges were registered against the protesters.

Abhilash has withdrawn his earlier assertions that Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists carried weapons and shouted threats to kill George during the February 25 demonstration. He subsequently told investigators that he had neither witnessed weapons being used nor heard the alleged threats.

His revised account directly contradicts material allegations contained in the original complaint, under which the Kannur Railway Police registered offences including attempted murder and rioting with dangerous weapons.

Investigators have recorded statements from members of the 13-member medical board constituted to assess George’s condition. Doctors who had subsequently been transferred were contacted by telephone to obtain their accounts.

The medical team confirmed that George remained hospitalised until the early hours of February 27, when she was discharged at her own request and travelled to her home in Pathanamthitta.

The absence of visible injuries does not establish that George experienced no physical harm. Doctors acknowledged her complaints of substantial pain and swelling, while the available medical findings did not substantiate an injury inflicted by a weapon.

The distinction is central to the investigation because the original police case alleged a deliberate assault involving weapons rather than an injury arising from pushing and jostling during a demonstration.

Preman said George had indicated during questioning that her neck injury might have occurred amid the pushing and shoving at the railway station. Her account therefore differs materially from the weapon assault allegation initially advanced by her security officer.

The SIT is also examining allegations concerning the preparation of police statements. Abhilash has reportedly claimed that he made the original allegations at George’s direction, although responsibility for any manipulation has not been established through a judicial finding.

A separate allegation has emerged from former sub-inspector Deepti, who told investigators that a statement attributed to her concerning the incident had not been given by her.

Other police personnel deployed at the railway station, including officers responsible for security arrangements, have maintained that they did not witness protesters carrying or using weapons against George.

Investigators have compared these accounts with available CCTV footage and medical documentation to establish the sequence of events and determine whether the initial charges were supported by evidence.

The five accused activists, M C Athul, V V Akshay, Bithul Balan, Ahmed Yasin and C H Mubas, spent 16 days in judicial custody before securing bail on March 12.

During the bail proceedings, the Sessions Court noted significant weaknesses in the prosecution’s allegations. No weapon had been recovered from the arrested protesters, and the available footage did not establish that they had used weapons against George.

The medical records presented before the court also contained no finding of a weapon injury. A doctor’s assessment suggested that the reported neck pain could have resulted from a sudden jerk during the disturbance.

The case became politically contentious during the Assembly election campaign, when the CPI(M) leadership characterised the demonstration as an attempted attack on the then minister.

Following the change of government, the Congress-led United Democratic Front administration ordered further investigation on August 31 after Kannur MLA T O Mohanan sought a detailed examination of the allegations.

The SIT is examining whether action should be recommended against Abhilash over his original statement. Investigators are expected to submit their findings to the state police leadership.

George had been travelling through Kannur railway station when KSU activists staged the black-flag demonstration, prompting security personnel to intervene as protesters attempted to approach her.