The first day of this Kerala Assembly session witnessed high drama as the Opposition demanded a CBI investigation into the sensational Kevin murder case. The leaders of the Opposition also brought out a banner that said it was the ‘luxury security’ provided to Pinarayi Vijayan that had killed Kevin.
The Opposition also attacked the government over the lapses in the investigation of Kevin’s death.
On May 27, 23-year-old Kevin was abducted from his house, just hours after his wedding to Neenu. His body was later found at Chaliyekkara. The police named 13 accused in the case, all of whom have been apprehended, including Neenu’s brother and father.
Former Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan moved an adjournment motion seeking a CBI probe.
The Opposition also alleged that the murder was a caste killing, backed by the police. “The police made serious lapses. Neenu’s father slapped her once in the police station … The gang that kidnapped and murdered Kevin included two DYFI workers,” Thiruvanchoor said.
He also alleged that attempts were being made to sabotage the investigation into the murder. The Opposition stormed the well of the House, shouting slogans.
“Neenu’s father Chacko and mother Rehna are Congress workers. Would you say the Congress killed him because of this? Congress leaders went to the police station with regard to the Chengannur bye-elections, not seeking as enquiry into the case … The people realised the politics of it, as indicated in the Chengannur victory,” said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the House.
“Initially, there were lapses on the part of the police. Although action has been taken against the errant police station, don’t think it has ended there. A murderer is a murderer, there is no need to consider his politics. Action will be taken against the culprits,” he added.
MLA wears mask and gloves
The Assembly session also saw MLA Parakkal Abdulla come to the House wearing a mask and a pair of gloves. The MLA is from the Kuttiadi constituency in Kozhikode, where most Nipah Virus cases have been reported.
The MLA, who belongs to the Indian Union Muslim League, said that he came wearing a mask and gloves to highlight the plight of people living in Kuttiadi and Perambra. “Since everyone there has to wear a mask and gloves to fight the virus, I also wore it here as a symbol of the situation,” he said.
The Chief Minister, however, took a serious view of the issue, and flayed the MLA for making light of the issue. Health Minister KK Shylaja too slammed the minister, saying his action was ridiculous. “If the MLA had been infected with Nipah Virus, he should not have come to the Assembly. Ever since the virus was confirmed, the Health Department has effectively intervened to take all necessary action. Still, the MLA wearing the mask has only ridiculed himself,” she said.
The day also witnessed newly elected MLA Saji Cherian of the CPI (M) taking oath. He won in the Chengannur bye-poll by a margin of 20,956 votes.