It's my protest against double standards of regime: Grow Vasu; judicial remand extended

Kozhikode: The judicial custody of former Maoist leader and human rights activist Grow Vasu has been extended till August 25. He was produced at the Kunnamangalam Magistrate Court on Friday. The prominent activist had earlier refused to appear before the court via video conference. 

Amidst the procedures, the court asked Vasu whether he has committed any crime. In response, the veteran said that he has already issued his statements in past trials, and refused to comment any further. The court further reminded the former Maoist leader that all citizens are supposed to follow the law. 

Vasu said he is protesting against the double standards of the regime and police. He noted that he has no issues with the court. “The court can function as per the law only. Questioning wrong practices is my ‘nature’. I am ready to give up my life in the fight against injustice. Sadly, there are no cases over the killings of Devarajan and Ajitha Paramesaran (CPI (Maoist) activists who were allegedly killed in the encounter), instead, I have been charged for questioning the brutal murders.”

The nonagenarian social activist also launched a scathing attack against CM Pinarayi Vijayan. “People think Pinarayi is the biggest communist. But the truth is that the man himself is a huge ‘corporate’ now. I might not be even alive when people will finally realize this tragic truth,” said the nonagenarian social activist.

Friends and RMP workers had arrived at the court to meet Grow Vasu who hails from Kozhikode.

It should be noted that Grow Vasu was arrested by the Medical College police for a protest held seven years ago in front of the medical college mortuary where the bodies of the Maoists killed in a shooting incident were kept.

The 91-year-old had failed to appear before the court on a long pending warrant issued by the Kunnamangalam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court and the arrest was recorded as part of executing the warrant.

After his arrest, Vasu reportedly declined to accept bail conditions despite efforts by inspector Benny Lalu, lawyers, and friends. He refused to pay the fine or go on his own bail, leading to his remand for two weeks. He was subsequently sent to the Kozhikode Sub Jail.

It is learnt that he refused to sign court documents as well.

In November 2016, there was an encounter with Maoists in the Karulai forest area of Nilambur, resulting in the deaths of Communist Party of India (Maoist) central committee member Krishnagiri Chettianpadi Ambedkar Colony native Kuppuswamy alias Devarajan and Chennai native Ajitha Paramesan alias Kaveri. When their bodies were brought to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital in 2016, Grow Vasu and others had gathered in front of the mortuary to protest.