Thiruvananthapuram: CPM Kerala state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has categorically stated that neither he nor his party would try to protect his son Binoy Kodiyeri, who is accused of rape by a bar dancer.
Describing the case against Binoy as a matter concerning an individual, Kodiyeri said it was the responsibility of the accused to prove his innocence.
"I can't take responsibility for everything that my children do. One shouldn't commit a mistake thinking that the party would save them. It's applicable to (party leaders') family members also," he said at a press meet here.
Kodiyeri said he took a break from an ongoing Ayurveda treatment to address the media because he has a responsibility to explain his stance on the matter to the public.
To repeated queries on the charges against his son, Kodiyeri said it was not proper to comment on a matter which is subjudice.
Asked about his reported willingness to quit the party post following the controversy, he said such reports originated from the imagination of media.
Earlier reports indicated Kodiyeri Balakrishnan offered to step down after the sexual abuse case was filed against Binoy.
However, the CPM leadership has opined that there was no situation now that warranted a resignation. "Kodiyeri did not try to protect or punish anyone. If he quits now, it would weaken the party," the leadership said.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met Kodiyeri Balakrishnan at the AKG Centre ahead of the CPM secretariat meet.
On recurring allegations against his sons, Kodiyeri said: "Party secretary's family members will also be subject to social audit. They should also be aware of it. It is a lesson for all."
Kodiyeri said he does not know where Binoy is.
Kodiyeri said he met Binoy when he was undergoing the Ayurveda treatment.
A court in Mumbai on Friday posted for Monday its decision on the anticipatory bail plea filed by Binoy.
As the case came up at the Dindoshi Court at Mumbai, Binoy's counsel Ashok Gupta argued this was a cooked-up case and an attempt to blackmail his client.
Opposing the bail, the prosecution said all the necessary evidence have been produced before the court.
After hearing the arguments, the court said it would deliver its ruling on Monday.
In the FIR filed at the Oshiwara police station in Andheri area, a 33-year-old Mumbai-based woman, who hails from Bihar, alleged that Binoy sexually exploited her for several years promising to marry her.
They also have a child, she claimed.
She registered the complaint on June 13 after she came to know that he was already married.
