Kerala HC Issues Notice to Former CM’s Security Personnel

Kerala, June 19 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday issued notices to five former security personnel attached to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with the Nava Kerala Sadas assault case, directing them to respond to petitions seeking cancellation of their anticipatory bail.

Justice CS Dias acted on pleas filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has sought to overturn the anticipatory bail granted to the accused by a sessions court earlier this month. The notices were issued to Anil Kumar S, Sandeep S, Shaiju VK, Arun R, and Vipin VV, all of whom were part of the former chief minister’s security detail during the incident under investigation.

The case relates to an episode that occurred in December 2023 in Alappuzha district during the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme conducted by the then CPI(M)-led government. According to investigators, Youth Congress activists staged a black-flag protest as the convoy carrying Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues passed through the area.

Prosecution authorities allege that members of the security team assaulted the protesters with sticks after some demonstrators reportedly ran toward the bus carrying the chief minister. The incident resulted in injuries to two individuals, including current Alappuzha MLA AD Thomas.

The legal proceedings gained renewed momentum after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government assumed office and ordered a fresh investigation into the matter. Chief Minister V D Satheesan subsequently announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to re-examine the allegations and review the evidence collected during the initial probe.

Following its inquiry, the SIT added a more serious charge of attempt to commit culpable homicide against the accused personnel, arguing that the nature of the attack warranted stricter legal provisions. This development prompted investigators to challenge the anticipatory bail relief granted by the Alappuzha Sessions Court.

On June 9, the sessions court had ruled in favour of the five former security personnel, observing that the charge of attempt to commit culpable homicide did not appear to be prima facie sustainable based on the materials presented before it. Consequently, the court granted them anticipatory bail, providing protection from arrest.

The SIT has now contended before the High Court that the sessions court failed to adequately consider the gravity of the allegations and the evidence gathered during the reinvestigation. The agency has urged the court to cancel the bail granted to the accused and allow investigators to proceed with the case without restrictions.

The High Court’s decision to seek responses from the former security personnel marks a significant step in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Nava Kerala Sadas assault case. The matter has attracted political attention due to its connection with a major public outreach programme of the previous state government and the involvement of security officials assigned to protect the former chief minister.

Legal observers believe the outcome of the proceedings could have wider implications for the accountability of security personnel during public events and political demonstrations. The High Court is expected to hear the matter further after receiving responses from the accused individuals and submissions from the Special Investigation Team.

The case remains under judicial consideration, with the SIT continuing its efforts to establish whether the actions of the security personnel warrant prosecution under the enhanced charges included during the fresh investigation.