A D Thomas, who suffered gunman’s assault during Nava Kerala Yatra, hopes to get justice

Kottayam: Alappuzha MLA A D Thomas expressed confidence of getting justice in the case related to the assault by the guards of former CM Pinarayi Vijayan in Alappuzha during Nava Kerala Yatra on Dec 15, 2023. He made the remarks in response to the cabinet's decision to reopen the investigation.Thomas said that over the past 10 years, KSU-Youth Congress protesters were brutally attacked in Kerala and that the UDF govt's move was aimed at protecting their dignity, which brought great satisfaction. He said there should be exemplary action against those responsible and that legal action, not political revenge, should be taken. He added that the protests were not for personal demands and that everyone should have the right to express opinions and protest in the country. He also said those who governed like a monarchy faced setbacks in the legislative elections.The incident occured when then CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his team of ministers were passing through Alappuzha General Hospital Junction in the Nava Kerala Yatra bus. KSU district president Thomas and Youth Congress state general secretary Ajay Jewel Kuriakose, who waved black flags and shouted slogans at the bus, were removed by police. Vijayan's gunman Anil Kumar and security personnel, including S Sandeep, jumped out of the escort vehicle and brutally beat them with sticks. Thomas suffered head injury while Ajay fractured his arm.The CM justified it as a "rescue operation". Despite complaints to the police with video evidence of the assault, no case was registered. Due to interference from the former chief minister's office and political influence, the case was sabotaged. The court later directed the registration of the case.Though crime branch took over the probe, there was no progress for one-and-a-half years. Meanwhile, Thomas, who was brutally assaulted, achieved a surprise victory and became an MLA from Alappuzha, defeating the CPM sitting MLA P P Chitharanjan.