Kochi: KPCC chief K Sudhakaran on Tuesday filed a defamation case against CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan in a magistrate court here over his remarks against him connecting him with a POCSO case involving self-styled controversial antiques dealer Monson Mavunkal.
Meanwhile, the Kalamassery Crime Branch's report stated that a case cannot be filed based on these remarks, and charges of incitement to violence will not stand. The report has been handed over to Crime Branch chief on Wednesday.
Sudhakaran, who personally appeared before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court here, also filed defamation cases against the CPI(M) party publication as well as another party leader from Kannur district, his lawyer said.
Citing a report that appeared in the CPI(M) mouthpiece, Govindan had said that the victim in the POCSO case told the Crime Branch that Sudhakaran was present at one of the locations where she was raped by Mavunkal. Later, in a setback to the ruling party, the Crime Branch wing of Kerala Police said the survivor of the rape case, in which Mavunkal was sentenced to life imprisonment, had not made any statement referring to Sudhakaran.
The Congress had earlier lodged a complaint with the state police chief against the "false" statement made by Govindan. Then the party alleged that Govindan had committed offences under various sections- including 153(A) (promoting enmity), 499, and 500 (defamation)- of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Kerala Police Act, and therefore he should be punished.
Sudhakaran had announced that he would move legally against Govindan soon after the latter made the shocking statement. The Congress veteran, earlier, retracted his decision to step down as KPCC chief in the backdrop of the cheating case.
Sudhakaran clarified that he offered to resign as a damage-control measure. People close to the leader said he contemplated resignation as he was anxious over the adverse impact his arrest in the case would have on the Congress party.
However, once all sections of the party, including the high command, opposed the move, Sudhakaran decided to stay put and said the entire issue was a closed chapter.
(With PTI inputs)