The case over the alleged attack on former Kerala Health Minister Veena George by Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists has taken a fresh turn, with her gunman telling the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that he gave a statement alleging an armed attack at her instruction. Gunman Abhilash has told the SIT that he did not see the KSU activists attacking Veena George and that he gave his statement to the Railway Police on the instructions of the then minister, according to IANS. His earlier testimony had formed the basis for imposing serious charges, including an attempt to murder, against the arrested KSU activists.

The disclosure comes months after the incident, which occurred towards the end of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government's tenure early this year. The arrested KSU activists had spent time in jail before securing bail, making the latest development particularly damaging, IANS reported. The episode had triggered widespread criticism after Veena George, who had alleged that she was injured in the incident at Kannur railway station, was discharged from a government hospital near Kannur within two days and travelled by road. Questions were raised over the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and the subsequent handling of the case.

Malayalam outlet Manorama News also reported the gunman's changed statement to the SIT. Reports said attention is now on whether the SIT forwards its findings to a court and on Veena George's formal response to the gunman's revised account. The latest revelation adds to the political setbacks suffered by Veena George, who was seeking a third consecutive victory from Aranmula in the Assembly elections but lost. She remains an invitee to the CPI(M) state committee. (Sources: IANS; Manorama News)