Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary M V Govindan categorically rejected rumours that E V Suresh Babu was removed from Palakkad district secretary post following allegations of sexual misconduct. Addressing a news conference at AKG Centre on Tuesday, he said Babu had initiated the change and informed his fellow comrades that he wished to step down. Govindan said the decision to appoint ex-MLA V Chenthamarakshan as the new district secretary was taken unanimously and Babu was among those who supported it.He rejected reports that a woman lawyer had met him and complained about Babu’s alleged sexual misconduct. “Nobody met me with such a complaint and I did not receive a complaint against him,” he said, adding that organisational changes at the district level were carried out as part of corrective measures discussed at extended district committee meetings.‘Govt protecting accused’CPM state secretary M V Govindan accused the state govt of protecting the accused in Nedumbassery car accident case. He alleged that only weak charges were invoked against the accused. Though remanded in judicial custody, the accused was sent to a borstal home instead of a jail, Govindan said.He alleged that the police, who attacked protesting students, were extending privileges to the accused. The FIR allegedly omitted the accused’s name and the fact that he was drunk, apparently to help him avoid remand, he claimed. Govindan criticised attempts to portray the victims negatively, saying they were hardworking people who were killed while returning to their lodging after work.
