Santhosh murder case: Police revelations embarrass CPM

Earlier, the CPM had termed the murder as an outcome of personal enmity, with veteran leader M V Jayarajan stating that it was the fallout of a property dispute.

KANNUR/ T’PURAM: The killing fields of Kannur have landed the ruling CPM in trouble, yet again. While the police in Kannur arrested six CPM activists in connection with the brutal murder of BJP worker Santhosh at Dharmadam, the constituency of the chief minister, party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan maintained that the party didn’t have any role in it.

“The arrested persons are no longer members of the CPM or its feeder organisations. We are not protecting any criminals. In fact, it’s not a political murder,” he claimed.

Earlier, the CPM had termed the murder as an outcome of personal enmity, with veteran leader M V Jayarajan stating that it was the fallout of a property dispute.

The police insisted that the killing was the latest instance of the decades-old string of political murders involving CPM cadre and BJP workers in the politically sensitive district. Though the six persons were detained in less than two hours after the incident, the arrest was recorded Saturday after thorough investigation, police said.

A team led by DySP, Prince Abraham, Panoor CI Shaji and Thalassery CI Pradeepan Kannipoyil arrested Rohin, 31, Shamil M K, 26, Rijesh K, 27, Midhun K, 22, all residents of Andaloor, P Ajesh,25, and P Prajul,25, both residents of Palayad in connection with the murder. Police are yet to record the arrest of two others, Vaishnav and Neethul.

According to the police, there was tension between the SFI and ABVP following the attempt to disrupt Vivekananda Day celebrations.

There were clashes between activists affiliated to the two organisations at the Brennen College.

A group of RSS workers had attacked a group of students and tour operators, leaving three persons grievously injured.

Police said the murder was in retaliation to this attack.  Santhosh was hacked by a gang that barged into his house at 11.30 pm Wednesday. Though he was rushed to the hospital, Santhosh later succumbed to injuries.

The BJP had called a hartal on Thursday, and the denial of permission by police to take  out a procession, with the body of the party worker, led to clashes.

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