The warm reception accorded to convicts in the Periya double murder case at Kannur Central Jail by CPM activists has triggered widespread outrage, particularly from the families of victims Sharath Lal and Kripesh. "This is a blatant attempt by the CPM to undermine the punishment given to the convicts," said Sharath Lal's father, Sathyanarayanan, adding, "Kannur Jail has turned into a haven for CPM supporters."
Kripesh’s father, Krishnan, expressed similar concerns, calling it "an act that emboldens murderers."
Incident at Kannur Central Jail
When the convicts, including former MLA K.V. Kunhiraman, were transferred to Kannur Central Jail, CPM workers gathered within the jail compound to chant slogans and honor them. CPM leader and Jail Advisory Committee member P. Jayarajan reportedly led the reception and met with the convicts.
Criticism from Authorities
Former DGP T.P. Senkumar strongly condemned the incident, labeling it "a dangerous precedent." He emphasized that "Jail Advisory Committee members are not vested with unlimited powers" and called for legal action against P. Jayarajan. "Allowing political workers to hold such demonstrations within a jail compound is a serious issue that demands immediate intervention," Senkumar added.
Jayarajan’s Defense
Defending his actions, P. Jayarajan stated, "Communists cannot be intimidated by jail sentences." He also disclosed that he gifted the convicts a book he authored during his visit, describing the gesture as symbolic.
The families of the victims have labeled the incident a "mockery of justice" and "a direct insult to their fight for accountability." "This undermines the rule of law and human conscience," they said in a joint statement.
Legal and Political Repercussions
This event has ignited a fierce political debate in Kerala. Observers argue that such actions undermine the sanctity of the justice system and erode public confidence in legal outcomes.
The Periya double murder case, which has already seen a protracted legal battle, has become a lightning rod for political and public scrutiny. The court found 10 individuals guilty of murder, conspiracy, and unlawful assembly. Among the convicted, T. Ranjith and A. Surendran were penalized for destroying evidence, each receiving double life sentences and fines of ₹2 lakh.
Four CPI(M) leaders, including K. Manikandan and Raghavan Velutholy, received five-year sentences and fines of ₹10,000 for forcibly freeing the accused from police custody. Meanwhile, 10 others were acquitted due to insufficient evidence
The Six-Year Legal Battle
The case underwent multiple layers of investigation, beginning with the Bekal Police and later the Crime Branch. Following appeals by the victims' families, the Kerala High Court mandated a CBI probe despite resistance from the state government.
The CBI’s chargesheet, filed in December 2021, led to a 20-month trial involving 154 witnesses and 495 documents. Special Judge Seshadrinathan delivered the verdict, marking the culmination of a six-year pursuit of justice. While the CBI sought the death penalty for the convicts, the court awarded life sentences, considering the convicts' argument that they were not habitual offenders.
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