Stepping up pressure on the UDF government over the Suryanelli rape case, CPI(M)-led LDF walked out of the Kerala Assembly on wednesday, demanding re-investigation into the charges levelled by the victim against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson P.J. Kurien.
The protest came even as Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said government has an open mind on the issue and would take a decision on the opposition’s demand based on legal opinion.
“Government has sought legal opinion on whether it can reopen a case discharged by Supreme Court. Government is yet to get legal advice on it. A decision will be taken after getting that,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said replying to a submission on the issue moved by opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan.
Mr. Chandy, however, maintained that the charges against Mr. Kurien had already been examined by the High Court and Supreme court after a probe by three police teams.
“We are all committed to ensure protection for women and ensure stern action against people who indulge in violence against them. But it is very cruel to punish a person who has not done anything wrong,” Chandy said.
Earlier, CPI-M’s women’s wing All-India Democratic Women’s Federation (AIDWF) took out a march to the Assembly, demanding a fresh probe into the case. AIDWF workers, who tried to barge into the Assembly complex, were removed by police.
Addressing the marchers, AIDWF leaders T.N. Seema, MP, and K.K. Shylaja said government’s position amounted to ‘gross injustice’ to the victim and her family and all women.