Pinarayi Vijayan backs Saseendran in harassment case; settles dispute between NCP leaders

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday defended Forest Minister and NCP leer, A K Saseendran by intervening in settling a sexual harassment complaint, saying that he inquired on issues between two NCP leers in Kollam. After a notice of journment motion was moved by Congress MLA PC Vishnunath, Chief Minister explained to House, " complainant is daughter of an NCP leer. It is learned that accused is anor NCP worker. minister himself has me it clear to public that dispute between m was being inquired by minister, as an NCP leer."

As far as delay in registering a case on alleged sexual harassment complaint is concerned, state police chief will be thoroughly investigating matter, Chief Minister said. He furr said that woman h lodged a complaint at Kundara police station on June 28.  He me following statement, " case has been registered as Crime 1176/21 at Kundara Police Station under sections 354, 509, and 34 of IPC on 20.07.2021. police chief is investigating a complaint that re was a delay in registering a case in this regard. government will ensure that nature of complaint is properly investigated and appropriate action is taken by police.”

Opposition demand resignation of Forest Minister 

Congress MLA PC Vishnunath, who moved notice of journment motion, asked for resignation of Forest Minister and said that minister has violated oath of office by intervening in settling sexual harassment complaints. VD Saesan, Leer of Opposition, alleged that Chief Minister was supporting Saseendran by raising weak arguments and police were responsible for not filing an FIR for a woman's complaint for 22 days. He said, "This is a gross violation of prescribed norms when it is a Cognizable offence. Clearly, minister intervened after knowing it is a complaint from a woman which is evident in phone conversation that was aired by channels.” When Speaker denied house a chance to discuss this topic, UDF-led opposition walked out from assembly after listening to Chief Minister’s reply.

(With ANI inputs)