2016 protest over Maoist encounter: Activist Grow Vasu remanded, refuses to accept bail

Kozhikode: Kozhikode native nonagenarian social activist 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.