Thrissur: In a major embarrassment for Kerala's United Democratic Front (UDF), its chief whip PC George dragged his own state government into yet another controversy, this time regarding the Thrissur Hummer case, where a guard died after he was allegedly rammed with a Hummer SUV on purpose and then beaten by a rich businessman on January 29.
Mr George in a press conference revealed a letter written to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, where he has alleged that Kerala's current Director General of Police (DGP) KS Balasubramaniam was influencing the case and making attempts to protect the accused businessman, Muhammed Nisham.
Mr George alleged that Circle Inspector Biju Kumar, the investigating officer in the case, has been giving undue favours to the accused busniessman, and according him VIP treatment. He also alleged that Biju Kumar had travelled with the accused in his car to Bengaluru during the course of the investigation.
Mr George also presented a CD containing audio clips of some phone conversations to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, which he alleged proved Mr Balasubramaniam's interference in the case.
In one of the clips, one person, purported to be former DGP MN Krishnamoorthy, can be heard speaking with another person, supposedly the suspended Thrissur Police Commissioner, Jacob Job, at the behest of 'DGP Swamy', which Mr George has claimed is an allusion to Mr Balasubramaniam. Mr George further alleged that Mr Job had been suspended to settle his score with the DGP.
But the Chief Minister and Home Minister have rubbished the charges. Mr Chennithala has said that the CD in no way brings out any charges, establishing the identity and involvement of Mr Balasubramaniam in the case.
The DGP, speaking to NDTV, said, "These are baseless allegations that are unnecessarily orchestrated by someone to defame me, because I took prompt action against the accused, as well as against misconduct within the department, by suspending a police officer."
This is not the first time PC George has dragged his own government into controversy. The last time was when allegations of corruption had been levelled against Finance Minister KM Mani in the hotel and bar license controversy. Meanwhile, the family of the dead guard, Chandrabose, has reiterated their demand for a CBI probe amid all of these controversies.