Murdered Congress workers’ kin take to streets

TRIVANDRUM: Families of two Congress workers in the northern Kasaragod district who lost their lives to a killer gang of the ruling Communists have protested the delay in the investigation even after a year.

The parents and siblings of Sarath Lal and Kripesh staged a sit-in before the office of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Kochi on Monday.

Kerala High Court had six months back left the case to the elite federal agency sharply criticising the state police attempt to shield ruling party leaders.

A month later, it dismissed the plea of the state government, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM strongman Pinarayi Vijayan, for a stay order.

Though a division bench had heard its review petition, which cost the exchequer Rs 8.8 million for hiring a top lawyer from Delhi, the verdict is yet to come.

“The government was arguing for the killers instead of victims. We are here to ensure justice for our brothers,” said Amrutha, sister of Sarath Lal, who was 24.

“We don’t know why the CBI is dragging on for months for starting the investigation while there’s no stay on it. It’s mysterious.”

The gang waylaid the youngsters who were returning home on a bike in their Periye village on February 17 and hacked them repeatedly and ensured their death.

Several leaders, including former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, had since visited their homes expressing solidarity.

Ten people who were part of the killer gang drawn from two districts are in jail pending trial, though two CPM leaders have since got out on bail.

“We have faith in the CBI, but their hands are tied. We’ll continue our struggle until our brothers get justice,” said Krishnapriya, sister of Kripesh, 19.

“The court has not allowed stay on the investigation. We suspect the delay is under pressure from powerful people at the top.” Former HC judge PK Shamshuddin inaugurated the demonstration in which several rights activists participated.

Following the twin-murder, violence had erupted in their village with angry mobs targeting homes and offices of CPM, which retaliated.

Clashes continue in the area, even after a year. CPM leader P Jayarajan made a provocative speech there last week, triggering another round of violence.

On Friday night, the CPM workers vandalised two bus shelters built by Congress in memory of the two in Periya.