Pathanamthitta: Senior CPM leader AK Balan on Sunday reiterated that the CPM has no connection to the Periya double murder case, which involves allegations that CPM leaders were responsible for the deaths of two young men, Sarathlal and Kripesh. The murder is believed to have been politically motivated, but Balan dismissed these claims.

Speaking to the media, AK Balan stressed that the party had no involvement in the incident. He stated that the matter was being handled through legal processes and praised the police for conducting a thorough investigation into the case.

AK Balan, referring to a separate murder case in Thrissur, said that Kerala has already witnessed a congressman killing another member of the same party without hesitation. He also alleged that like the previous murder it is the other political parties that have brutally murdered Sarathlal and Kripesh. He also suggested that rival political parties were attempting to blame the CPM for the Periya murders.

In response to a question regarding the ongoing case, CPM State Secretary M V Govindan said that he would respond to the matter once the final verdict was delivered. He noted that the verdict had only been partially announced and that he would make a statement after the full judgment was issued. Despite further inquiries, MV Govindan remained firm, indicating that he would address the situation after January 3.

The case

The Periya double murder case, involving the brutal killings of Youth Congress workers Kripesh (21) and Sarath Lal (23) in Kasaragod district, has drawn national attention due to its political implications. The case, which highlights alleged political rivalry, lists 24 accused, including prominent CPM leaders such as former MLA and CPM Kasaragod district secretariat member KV Kunhiraman.

The murder took place on February 17, 2019. Initially investigated by the Kerala Police, the case was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following allegations of bias. The trial, lasting over two years, involved 154 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses. Charges against the accused include murder, conspiracy, and destruction of evidence. 16 of the accused, including the prime accused and former Periya local committee member A Peethambaran, remain in judicial custody.