KOCHI:Close on the heels of the arrest of two persons for alleged Maoist links, the City Police on Saturday prepared a name list of 17 persons who are active members of the Left extremist group ‘Porattam’ for verifying their possible connections with Maoists.
The Porattam group the other day had condemned the ‘repeated harassment’ by police who searched their houses allegedly without warrants, in connection with the recent attack on the office of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
According to police officials, the list was prepared for verifying the antecedents of the suspects, so that any links with the Maoists could be verified.
“We have already received information about their support to the Maoist activities. They have distributed pamphlets, and shared Maoist ideals through the social media.
“The details were collected after checking their mobile phones,” said a police official, on condition of anonymity.
Thrikkakara ACP Bijo Alexander, who is leading the special investigation team, said that the investigation was on the right track.
“We have conducted raids in a number of houses and institutions, based on tip-off. The arrested persons, Jayson C Cooper and Nirmal Saradhi, have been taken into police custody until February 6 for further interrogation. In the meantime, interrogation of the suspects, who are active members of some Left wing groups, and raids are progressing,” he said.
Meanwhile, M N Ravunni, chairman of Porattam, told ‘Express’ that the raids by the police were uncalled for.
“It is totally unacceptable. ‘Porattam’ is an organisation launched in 1996 with the aim of protecting people’s rights.
The government knows it very well. Hampering the human right activities in the name of Maoist links is unfortunate,” he added.