Kottayam: In a dramatic turn of events, BJP leader and former MLA P C George surrendered before the Erattupetta Magistrate Court on Monday in connection with a hate speech case. His surrender followed the Kerala High Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail plea, clearing the way for his arrest.
The Kerala Police had been actively pursuing George’s custody, but instead of waiting for an imminent arrest, the veteran politician took the decisive step of appearing in court voluntarily. Accompanied by his legal counsel, including advocate Cyril and his daughter-in-law Parvathy, George made his surrender a well-calculated move.
Earlier, police had arrived at his residence to detain him, only to find that he was not present. The case against George stems from a controversial remark he made during a televised debate on January 5, which authorities deemed as inciting religious hatred. The complaint, filed by the Youth League Erattupetta Mandalam Committee, led to a formal police investigation and subsequent legal action.
Despite multiple attempts to secure legal relief, both the Kottayam Sessions Court and the Kerala High Court had denied George’s anticipatory bail. Following his surrender, the court ordered him to be remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.
