Kerala govt not keen to pursue NEET protest cases, exploring their withdrawal: Ramesh Chennithala

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said the government is examining the possibility of withdrawing the cases registered during the Statewide protests held in solidarity with demonstrations in New Delhi over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan had recently written to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan seeking the withdrawal of the nearly 5,000 cases registered in connection with the demonstrations.

“I have forwarded the matter to the State Police Chief (SPC). The government has no interest in continuing such cases,” he told mediapersons in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

He, however, indicated that if any of the cases involve offences of serious criminal nature, those may not be withdrawn. The SPC has been asked to examine the cases and submit a report, he said.

Regarding the custodial death of Siyad, a bus driver in Kundara, allegedly due to custodial torture, Mr. Chennithala said a police officer has already been suspended over allegations that he assaulted the deceased.

However, the post-mortem examination report indicated that the death was caused by Hepatitis C and not due to police assault.

“The person (Siyad) died while undergoing treatment in hospital, 13 days after being taken into police custody. The post-mortem report clearly states that the death was not due to police action,” he said.

Despite the medical findings, the government has allowed the Crime Branch investigation to continue to ensure a thorough inquiry.

“If any additional facts emerge during the investigation, appropriate action will be taken,” he added.

Referring to the arrests of three teachers with alleged involvement with MDMA trafficking, the Home Minister called the development worrying for the State.

“It is shocking that teachers, who are expected to guide children and set an example for society, have become part of the drug trade. They have become merchants of death,” he said.

He said criminal cases will be registered against those involved, and that the properties of the accused would be traced and attached in compliance with the law. Efforts are also being made to determine whether more people are involved in the racket, the Minister added.