POLITICAL RIVALRY LED TO KERALA KILLING: FIR

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The ruling CPI(M) and RSS-BJP on Tuesday held another round of talks to end the spiralling cycle of violence triggered by the murder of a RSS leader in the state capital three days ago.

Though the CPI(M) has denied any role in the murder, all those arrested in the case are either its party workers or supporters. The FIR also stated that it was a political killing triggered by the regional political rivalry.

RSS leader E Rajesh (34) was waylaid and attacked by a group of CPI(M) workers when he was returning home after work. He received more than 52 stab wounds and later succumbed to injuries.

Twelve persons have been arrested in connection with the murder so far — eight for their direct involvement and four others for conspiracy and harbouring the accused. The first accused Manikuttan is a history-sheeter involved in a dozen criminal cases and four others are active members of the party youth wing, DYFI.

“Both parties agreed to take the peace talks to the next round. The leadership will intervene if anything happens and ensure that it won’t escalate,” said CP(M) district secretary A Nagappan after the peace meeting. This is the second round of meeting.

Speculation is rife that the CM may dump his home portfolio. The party’s central leadership is also upset with the CM’s “rude behaviour” towards the media before the peace meeting started on Monday.

“Get out, who invited you here,” he shouted at newsmen. He lost his cool when he saw lens men taking the visuals of the meet. Later his office explained that he only asked newsmen to leave the venue before the meeting started.

A day after the murder, Governor Justice Sathasivam had summoned CM Vijayan and the state police chief expressing serious concern over deteriorating law and order situation.