Suryanelli gangrape case: Opposition shouts slogans against Chandy, Kerala Assembly adjourned

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly was adjourned Monday morning after the Opposition shouted slogans against Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who had ruled out a re-investigation into the Suryanelli gangrape case. Chandy had ruled out the re-investigation citing court decisions, which cleared Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien of rape allegations.

Troubles resurfaced for Kurien after the Suryanelli rape survivor sent a letter to the Supreme Court last week, asking for a review of the apex court's order quashing all charges against Kurien. The 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by 42 men over a span of 40 days in 1996.

Chandy, while defending Kurien, had said on Sunday, "The allegations against Kurien are not new and it was cleared by the Supreme Court years ago. It is rather sad and unfortunate to attack someone who has been found innocent by the courts."

Chandy had ruled out re-investigation citing court decisions, which cleared PJ Kurien of rape allegations.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Thiruvananchur Radhakrishnan had said government would seek legal opinion on whether a fresh investigation should be conducted into the allegations against Kurien. "Wait...Let us seek legal opinion on whether a fresh probe is required. We will consult the Advocate General and Director General of Prosecution. On the basis of their opinion we will take a decision," Home Minister Thiruvananchur Radhakrishnan told reporters here.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) politbureau member MA Baby said it would be morally inappropriate for Kurien to continue as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman in view of the allegation levelled against him. "My personal opinion is, it is morally incorrect for him to continue in the post. The national leadership of the Congress party should think about this and take a decision," Baby told reporters in Kannur.

Baby declined to comment on his senior colleague VS Achuthanandan's charges that the then Advocate General had not taken proper action in the case when the LDF ministry headed by late E K Nayanar was in power. "Let the party form its opinion on this. I cannot say anything on this until the party does so," he added.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)