Row over disclosure: Sitaram Yechury, Brinda Karat rap K Radhakrishnan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Monday said Thrissur district secretary K. Radhakrishnan should not have revealed the name of Wadakanchery gang rape victim. Mr Yechury, who arrived here to take part in a party public meeting and red volunteer march, told reporters that the aberration notwithstanding, the party had acted promptly against the accused. "Well, in everyone one of these cases, the party is acting very promptly and acting correctly. We are making sure that such things are dealt with correctly. Things which are not correct are not correct. I agree some aberration may have happened," he told reporters at the airport.

CPM politburo member Brinda Karat said it was important to protect the identity of the victim. "It was a mistake and there is no doubt about it. As far as my party is concerned, in the culture of CPM, we will not tolerate anybody who is involved in such a crime," she said. The former AIDWA national president assured that the probe into the gang rape would be independent and fair. There was no question of allowing anyone to influence the probe, she said adding that there no concession would be given to anyone who is involved in such cases.

The stand taken by state CPM women leaders was not in consonance with the central leadership's position on the issue. State Health Minister and central committee member K.K. Shylaja said that Radhakrishnan had not committed a grave crime by revealing the victim's name. "At the moment victim's name is not identified to protect her future. Why should the name of a woman who has not done anything wrong be kept confidential? The society needs to change its mindset," she said.

The minister also referred to Suryanelli victim. "She is still known as Suryanelli victim. Her identity got lost forever. Everyone knows Radhakrishnan. I don't believe he would have done it deliberately," she added. Former MP T.N. Seema said Radhakrishnan might have revealed the victim's name based on the circumstances and situation there. "They were involved in the issue for a very long time. It is clear that the victim's name must not be revealed and if someone initiates any complaint against Radhakrishnan then why should we object it," she asked.