Kozhikode: The state home department has taken steps to withdraw the cases charged in connection with the arson and attacks on forest offices and forest and police personnel during the agitation against the Gadgil committee report at Thamarassery region in December 2013.
A total of 42 cases were charged against the agitators, including priests. The agitation was headed by the Thamarassery diocese though Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil disowned the agitation which turned violent later. Sources said that among the 42 cases charged, the home department has sought opinion from the Thamarassery police on withdrawing ten cases of arson in July.
Though the police objected, it is believed the procedures are on as the government is under pressure from various religious groups.
Besides the Thamarassery police have withdrawn eight cases citing lack of evidence, including one against a priest of Thamarassery diocese who had allegedly led the agitators.
“The investigation against the priest was dropped and the investigation officer who refused to fall in line was transferred to Idukki” sources said.
ADGP (North Zone) N. Shanker Reddy told DC that the matter was with the CB and that he had no idea on what happened to the cases.
However, the forest department has registered strong protest over the slow-pedalling of investigation in the entire cases, in which more than twenty personnel of the department were injured. In total, 30 cases were reported from the hilly regions of Kozhikode, Kannur and Wayanad districts.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Forces) BS Corrie told Deccan Chronicle that there was widespread protest in the force over the undue delay in the investigation and other legal procedures.
“The total loss in the riot unleashed by miscreants was more than Rs 2 crore. I don’t believe the state government would let the culprits go scot free by withdrawing the cases,” he added.
“We are clueless about such a move and if it is true it would affect the morale of the force,” he added.
