Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, Aug 25: Kerala high court divisional bench has rejected an appeal submitted by Kerala government opposing CBI inquiry into the murder of Youth Congress activists Kripesh and Sharat Lal. The government had questioned the quashing of the charge sheet filed by the crime branch and handing over the case to the CBI. The court rejected bail applications of seven accused men including primary accused Peethambaran.
The judgement in the matter was pronounced on September 30, 2019. Meanwhile, the divisional bench had stayed the judgement of a single bench judge quashing the charge sheet.
Kripesh and Sharat Lal were hacked to death when they were returning home on a bike at night on February 17, 2019.
The initial investigation was conducted by Bekal police personnel. The case was later handed over to the crime branch. CPM local committee former secretary Peethambaran (35) was the primary accused. Over 14 people accused in the case were arrested. They were C Saji (40), Taliparamba resident K M Suresh (27), an auto driver K Anil Kumar (35), Kalliot resident G Gijin (26), R Srirag (22), Kundangoi Malangot resident A Ashwin (18), Pakam resident A Subheesh (29), M Murali (36), T Ranjith (46), Pradeep (42), Alakkod resident Manikantan, CPM Periya local committee secretary N Balakrishnan, CPM Uduma zone secretary K Manikantan and others.
Among them, three suspects including Manikantan and Balakrishnan were granted bail. Meanwhile, the family members of Kripesh and Sharath Lal appealed for CBI investigations in the high court alleging delay by the crime branch for investigation and that the probe is not satisfactory. The family also claimed that there is a conspiracy to protect CPM leaders.
The court ordered a CBI inquiry last September. The government questioned the move in the court and the crime branch refused to hand over files of investigations to the CBI.
The judgement by the high court ordering for CBI investigation again is a setback to the government. The judgment is important considering the upcoming local elections in October and Vidhan Sabha elections in April-May next year.