Big setback to CPI! CBI files charge sheet against former MLA and 23 others in twin murder of Congress workers

In a big setback to the ruling LDF led by CPI(M) government in Kerala, the CBI has filed a charge sheet against 24 accused, including a former CPI (M) MLA, KV Kunjiraman, in the twin murder cases of Congress workers. Prior to this, five CPI (M) workers were arrested. 

 

 

"A case was registered to vide No.81/2019 at Bekal Police Station on the same day and the said case was transferred to Crime Branch of State Police & re-registered on 21.02.2019. "After investigation, the Crime Branch of State Police filed a final report/charge sheet on 20.05.2019 against 14 accused," CBI said in a statement.

On February 17, 2019, two Congress activists, Sarath Lal (24) and Kripesh (19), were hacked to death by the workers of the "other political party" at Kaliyatt in Periya Village due to political enmity. The case was handed over to the crime branch of the Kerala Police and a charge sheet was filed against the 14 accused.

 

 

However, the family went to the Kerala High Court demanding a CBI probe claiming that the real accused are being protected and shielded. Setting aside the charge sheet filed by the state police, a single bench of Kerala High Court ordered a CBI probe. Later the CBI re-registered the case against 14 accused at Bekal Police Station.

While former MLA from Uduma constituency KV Kunhiraman was not arrested in the case but his role was explained in detail when the probe agency arrested five CPI(M) workers on Wednesday. "On the night of 18th and 19th February 2019... after the murder and accused were on the run the police secured the custody of accused Saji George from Pakkam area where he (Kunhiraman) along with Manikandan, Ragavan Velutholi, Bhaskarn were found forcefully taken away Saji George," said the CBI in its remand application.

 

Earlier, on 01 December 2021, CBI arrested five CPI (M) workers in the case. Currently, they are in judicial custody. The offence committed by the arrested accused persons included criminal conspiracy to commit murder, supply of weapons for the murder, and logistical assistance for the commission offense.

 

 

"The arrested accused persons are members of CPI(M) political party, including a branch secretary. The CPI (M) is the ruling party and accused persons are having high influence in the society due to their political affiliation," said the CBI to the court. If released on bail they might influence witnesses and tamper with evidence, claimed the CBI.