Kerala Reviews Dismissal of 5,000 NEET Protest Cases Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced a review into withdrawing charges against participants in the statewide NEET paper leak demonstrations. The government is also monitoring a Crime Branch probe into a controversial custodial death and a narcotics case involving educators.
Assessment of Mass Protest Litigation
The Kerala government has initiated a formal review to potentially drop thousands of criminal cases filed during recent statewide demonstrations. These protests were organized to show solidarity with national movements addressing the alleged NEET examination paper leak. During a press briefing in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, July 30, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala confirmed that the State Police Chief (SPC) is currently evaluate the legal standing of nearly 5,000 cases.
This administrative move follows a formal request from Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of the Opposition, addressed to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. While the Home Minister stated the administration lacks interest in maintaining these legal proceedings, he clarified that the dismissal will not be universal. The SPC's upcoming report will identify specific incidents involving serious criminal offenses, which may remain active despite the general push for withdrawal.
Custodial Death Investigation and Medical Findings
Addressing the death of Siyad, a bus driver from Kundara, Chennithala detailed the status of the ongoing Crime Branch investigation. Although a police officer faced suspension following allegations of assault, the Home Minister citing the post-mortem report noted a different cause of death.
- The medical examination attributed the fatality to Hepatitis C.
- Siyad passed away in a hospital facility thirteen days after his initial detention.
- The autopsy findings suggest the death did not result from physical police intervention.
Despite these clinical findings, the government intends to let the Crime Branch probe reach its natural conclusion to maintain transparency and capture any overlooked facts.
Crackdown on Educator-Led Narcotics Racket
The Home Minister expressed significant concern regarding the arrest of three teachers accused of involvement in MDMA trafficking. Labeling the suspects as "merchants of death," Chennithala emphasized the gravity of educators participating in the drug trade. The state has ordered a comprehensive asset mapping of the accused to facilitate the attachment of property under current laws. Authorities are now working to identify further links in the distribution network to dismantle the racket entirely.
Source: The Hindu — National
