Suryanelli rape case: CPM women's wing ramps up pressure on Kurien to quit

The CPI-M's women wing All-India Democratic Women's Federation today took out a march to the state Assembly demanding a fresh probe into the Suryanelli gangrape case in view of the charge levelled against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien by the victim.

Stepping up pressure on the UDF government over the Suryanelli gangrape case, CPI(M) led LDF walked out of the Assembly today, demanding re-investigation into the charges levelled by the victim against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien.

The protest came even as Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said government has an open mind on the issue and would take a decision on the Opposition's demand based on legal opinion.

"The government has sought legal opinion on whether it can reopen a case discharged by Supreme Court. The government is yet to get legal advice on it. A decision will be taken after getting that," Radhakrishnan said replying to a submission on the issue moved by Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan.

Chandy, however, maintained that the charges against Kurien had already been examined by the High Court and Supreme court after a probe by three police teams.

"We are all committed to ensure protection for women and ensure stern action against people who indulge in violence against them. But it is very cruel to punish a person who has not done anything wrong," Chandy said.

An unfazed Kurien has all along rejected the charge and the demand for his resignation, saying it was a matter which had already been cleared by the Supreme Court.

Brinda Karat demands Kurien's resignation

Demanding a reinvestigation into the 1996 Suryanelli rape case in view of a charge levelled against Kurien by the victim, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Brinda Karat on Wednesday said the former should step down from his post.

... contd.

ALSO READ

India, China end stand off, withdraw troops from Daulat Beg Oldie sector

Sonia Gandhi consults A K Antony on Pawan Bansal issue

Coalgate probe: No accused or suspect let off, says CBI chief Ranjit Sinha

UPA only worried about 'nephews and uncles': Narendra Modi