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Representational Image | Mathrubhumi
Alappuzha: It has been over six months since excise officials nabbed CPM member Ijas from Alappuzha for smuggling illegal tobacco products worth Rs 55 lakh. Despite media attention and criticism, CPM refrained from taking action against Ijas. However, he was eventually removed from the party after he was nabbed from Karunagapally for carrying banned tobacco products worth crores.
Meanwhile, many suggested that the issue had tarnished the party's image. It was alleged that some leaders inside the party tried to save him. On Wednesday, Ramesh Chennithala also criticized CPM for harbouring drug peddlers.
Meanwhile, the vehicle used by Ijas to smuggle the banned products in Karunagapally belonged to A Shanavas, a CPM leader and Alappuzha Municipality's standing committee chairman. Even though Shanavas revealed that he knew Ijas, he dismissed playing any role.
Meanwhile, CPM has announced an enquiry commission to probe the incident. Based on these reports, action will be taken against Shanavas.
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