SIT probe into woman's murder in Cong office

A special investigation team on Wednesday commenced its probe into the murder of a woman in a Congress block office at Nilambur in Malappuram district.

Biju (38), a member of the personal staff of Power Minister Aryadan Muhammed and his friend Shamsuddin (29) were arrested on Monday in connection with the murder of Radha (49), a sweeper at the Congress block office in Nilambur. Biju has since been removed from the minister’s staff.

Meanwhile, there were protests against police investigation on Wednesday after a police team in Nilambur recorded statements of the victim’s brother and relatives in public. According to reports, two local Congress activists were also present when the statements were being recorded, leading to opposition from residents in the neighbourhood.

CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said the investigation was being hijacked. CPM politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan demanded that the probe be handed over to another team headed by a woman IG. The present investigation team is being led by Thrissur Range IG S Gopinath.

The CPM and the BJP have already raised apprehensions over the investigation, stating that the police were attempting to protect more people involved in the murder. A hartal was called by the two parties on Wednesday. Bhaskaran, Radha’s brother, also said the two culprits could have admitted to the crime to cover up involvement of others.
DH News Service