Veena George injury episode: MRI advised; 5 KSU activists arrested
Kannur/Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George sustained injuries to her hand and neck on Wednesday amid a protest by Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists at Kannur railway station, officials confirmed.
A medical bulletin from the Kannur District Hospital stated that expert doctors appointed by the superintendent of Pariyaram Medical College Hospital examined George and recommended an MRI scan alongside other specialist tests. Earlier, senior CPM leader P. Jayarajan said the minister was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited George at the hospital, condemning the incident. “What happened there was not a protest of any kind, but the rampage of a group of violent individuals,” he said, adding that Congress was politicising isolated incidents to target the minister and undermine Kerala’s public health system.
Five KSU activists arrested
Five KSU activists, including the district president, were taken into police custody following the incident. They are set to be handed over to the railway police as the protest and aggression occurred within railway station premises. Authorities said involving railway police followed standard procedure for incidents on railway property.
What triggered the protest?
The clash occurred as George was boarding a Vande Bharat train after inaugurating the Kalyad International Ayurveda Research Centre. Television visuals showed the minister in heated exchanges with slogan-shouting protesters waving black flags, while police restrained the crowd.
KSU and Congress leaders dismissed the incident as a “drama” staged by the minister and the CPM, insisting activists conducted only a peaceful protest. “Based on preliminary inquiries, it is clear KSU activists did not approach the minister,” said Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan.
Protests escalate across Kerala
Following the incident, CPM and DYFI staged protests in multiple districts, with some demonstrations turning violent. In Kannur, SFI activists marching to the District Congress Committee office clashed with police as stones were hurled, prompting lathi charges. In South Kerala, clashes between KSU and SFI members caused alleged damage to Congress flex boards.
Senior Congress leader K. Sudhakaran criticised George, saying, “George may not be a good health minister, but she has proved to be a good actress.”
CPM general secretary M. A. Baby condemned the attack, accusing the opposition of attempting to disrupt law and order ahead of elections.