Thiruvananthapuram: A Special Investigation Team has cleared five student activists of assaulting a former minister, finding that police registered false attempted murder charges based on fabricated evidence.

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The investigation panel, headed by Kerala Armed Police Battalion Commandant U. Preman, recently submitted its findings to State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar. According to the report, five Kerala Students Union activists never physically assaulted or threatened former Health Minister Veena George during a demonstration at Kannur railway station earlier this year. Security personnel successfully shielded the official, preventing the demonstrators from reaching her.

Investigation reveals fabricated evidence and confessions

The probe unraveled earlier claims after Sub-Inspector Deepti, who led station security during the event, informed investigators that initial officers manufactured a false statement in her name. The fake document claimed the former minister was knocked to the ground. However, platform video recordings showed the officer walking directly alongside the minister throughout the visit.

Furthermore, the minister's former gunman, Abhilash, admitted to lying about weapons under direct instructions from the former minister. Investigators also questioned the former minister at her Kodumon residence in Pathanamthitta, where she acknowledged that no attempt on her life had taken place. Two other officers present at the scene confirmed they witnessed no physical violence.

The controversy originated on 25 February 2026, when five activists—M.C. Atul, V.V. Akshay, Bithul Balan, C.H. Mubas, and Ahammad Yasin—staged a black-flag protest over alleged medical negligence. Following the event, the minister reported neck discomfort and entered a hospital. Police then filed attempted murder charges alleging the youths charged with weapons while shouting threats. Consequently, the students spent 16 days in Kannur Sub Jail before securing bail.

Legal review follows dropped charges and political shift

A shift in political power occurred in May when the UDF replaced the LDF administration. By June, police dropped the attempted murder charges before a local court after video evidence disproved the presence of weapons. Recognizing political interference, the Home Department formed the special team on 3 August 2026 to uncover the truth.

Current Health Minister K. Muraleedharan confirmed that the former gunman will face severe disciplinary proceedings for submitting false statements. He expressed astonishment at the panic generated by a peaceful protest, adding that handing ministerial responsibilities to inexperienced figures often leads to such misconduct.

State Police Chief Chandrasekhar is reportedly evaluating disciplinary action against both the gunman and the initial investigating officers who filed the fake records. Meanwhile, student leaders have formally requested legal proceedings against the former minister for fabricating charges against peaceful protesters.