Periya double murder parole row: Kerala orders probe, halts release of four accused

Kasaragod: A fresh controversy has emerged in the high-profile Periya double murder case after authorities halted the release of four accused who had been granted parole, following allegations that the parole process violated established rules.

The development comes amid growing criticism over the decision to grant parole to several convicts linked to one of Kerala's most politically sensitive murder cases. According to officials, the parole order remains technically in force. However, four accused who were expected to be released have not been allowed to leave prison following objections raised over the manner in which the parole was granted.

The decision was reportedly taken after complaints alleged that the accused had received mass parole in violation of existing norms and procedures. Before the latest decision, five accused were released on parole on May 18, while another accused was released on May 20.

What is the Periya double murder case?

The Periya double murder case relates to the killing of two Youth Congress workers, Kripesh and Sarath Lal, in Periya village of Kasaragod district, Kerala, on February 17, 2019. The two men were hacked to death by a group of assailants while returning home on a motorcycle. The murders triggered a major political controversy as the victims were associated with the Congress party, while several of the accused were allegedly linked to the CPI(M).

The case became one of Kerala's most high-profile political murder investigations. After allegations that the initial probe was inadequate, the investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation. In 2023, a special CBI court convicted multiple accused and sentenced them to life imprisonment for conspiracy and murder. The case has continued to attract attention due to its political implications, legal appeals and, most recently, the controversy surrounding parole granted to some of the convicted individuals.

The parole approvals were processed shortly before the previous LDF government completed its term in office, a timing that has drawn political scrutiny. Critics also questioned changes in the parole conditions, which reportedly allowed the accused to travel to their hometowns and residences, unlike previous parole arrangements that imposed stricter restrictions.

Relatives of the two murdered youths had voiced strong objections to the parole decision. Family members expressed fears that the return of the accused to the Periya region could create tensions and potentially lead to law-and-order issues in the area.

The concerns added to public criticism and prompted calls for a review of the parole orders. Amid the controversy, the Kerala Home Department and the Prison Department have initiated a departmental inquiry.

As part of the investigation, explanations have reportedly been sought from several officials involved in processing the parole applications, including the prison superintendent. Authorities are examining whether established guidelines were properly followed before the parole approvals were issued. Sources indicate that steps have been initiated to review and potentially cancel the parole granted to the accused.

The outcome of the departmental inquiry is expected to determine whether disciplinary action will be taken against officials and whether the parole orders will be formally revoked.

The Periya double murder case relates to the killing of two young men in Kasaragod district, a crime that sparked widespread political controversy and attracted significant public attention across Kerala.

The case has remained one of the state's most closely watched criminal and political cases, with developments continuing to draw strong reactions from political parties, victims' families and civil society groups.