Gunman retracts earlier statement, says KSU workers did not try to kill Veena George; claims he gave statement at her direction

KANNUR: There has been a major twist in the case related to the alleged attack on former Health Minister Veena George. Her gunman, Abhilash, has now told the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that he gave his initial statement against KSU workers at Veena George's direction. He reportedly said he did not see the KSU workers attacking the minister.

In his first statement, Abhilash had alleged that four people, including KSU activists M.C. Athul and V.V. Akshay, arrived at Kannur railway station with weapons and tried to attack Veena George. However, he has now reportedly told the investigation team that he made the statement at the minister's request. Abhilash has also told the SIT that he did not directly witness the KSU workers attacking Veena George during the protest.

The change in his statement is likely to affect the case. The SIT is also reportedly considering action against Abhilash for giving a false statement initially and later changing it.

The SIT had questioned Veena George a day earlier. However, reports suggest that investigators have not found enough evidence to establish that the attack was an attempt to murder her. Statements given by two police officers who were present at the railway station during the incident have also reportedly failed to support the allegation clearly. The claim that KSU workers were carrying weapons had also been questioned earlier based on video footage and other evidence. Following the latest statement, the SIT may have to re-examine the nature of the incident and the charges in the case.

The incident took place on February 25, 2026, when KSU workers staged a black-flag protest against Veena George at Kannur railway station. After the minister was injured during the protest, the Railway Police registered a case, including charges of attempt to murder. M.C. Athul, V.V. Akshay, Bithul Balan, C.H. Mubas and Ahmed Yasin were named as accused. They were granted bail after spending 16 days in remand at Kannur Sub Jail.