Kochi: Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan continues to attack the government over the ongoing controversy regarding the Hema Committee report. He alleged that the government has not mentioned the term 'Hema Committee' in the new investigation they announced. Speaking to reporters in Kochi, he said that asking the victims to give their depositions again is akin to humiliating them. “The government now claims that no action will be taken regarding the statements made by the female artists before the committee and the evidence submitted along with those statements,” he said.

“What the opposition demanded was the formation of an investigation led by senior female IPS officers based on the depositions of the victims before the committee. However, there was no mention of the term ‘Hema Committee’ in the news release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office concerning the announcement of the investigation,” he said.

“The court has also questioned what prevents the government from conducting an investigation based on the report. The government is attempting to protect the predators. Asking the victims to make statements again is like humiliating them. The government's stance is to shield the predators and demean the victims,” Satheesan said.

“Why did the government prioritise male officers over female IPS officers? There are serious allegations against the male officers in this team, including their investigation of cases involving sexual abuse of women. Despite facing criticism for their handling of this case, the government is still trying to protect the predators at any cost,” he said.

“According to Section 199 of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, it is punishable if no action is taken even after a crime against women is reported. Saji Cherian, Minister for Cultural Affairs, has committed this punishable act by remaining silent about the crimes committed against women. By falsifying the Hema Committee report and protecting the predators, Saji Cherian has breached his oath and humiliated the victims. He has no right to continue as minister. If he does not resign, the Chief Minister should ask for it,” Satheesan added.

“It is better for others to follow the examples of Ranjith and Siddique. I believe Mukesh will also resign. Dharmajan’s act of insulting the female journalist during a discussion is unacceptable. If a mistake was committed, we would not endorse it as the CPM does and would never justify it,” he said.

Satheesan also criticised the government's decision to postpone the reception for hockey player Sreejesh, who was a member of the Indian team that won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. “The state government has humiliated a player who is the pride of Kerala.” Sreejesh was on his way to Thiruvananthapuram when the government informed him that the reception was postponed. “An Olympic medal winner deserved better treatment from the government,” Satheesan said.