CPI(M) worker hacked to death in Kerala's Kannur district

While CPM alleged that BJP-RSS workers were involved in the murder, local BJP leaders denied it

In yet another suspected case of political murder in Kerala, a CPM worker was killed near Thalassery in Kannur district in the early hours of Monday.

The deceased was identified as Haridas, 54, a CPM worker in Punnol near New Mahe in Thalassery. BJP-CPM tension was prevailing in the area for some time over clashes during a temple festival and the murder is considered to be a backlash, local sources said.

While CPM alleged that BJP-RSS workers were involved in the murder, BJP local leaders denied it. Seven persons, including a BJP local leader, were reported to be held by the police.

The police said that the provocation for the killing was yet to be conclusively ascertained.

Kerala has been frequently witnessing political killings mainly involving CPM, BJP-RSS and Congress workers. Back-to-back murders of BJP and SDPI leaders in a gap of 12 hours in December last had rocked the state. Political murders in the state were highlighted by BJP leaders to justify adverse remarks of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath against Kerala recently.

Also Read — CPM, BJP spar over 'political murder' in Kerala

Reacting to the CPM worker's killing, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the murder was a deliberate attempt by a section to create law and order problems. CPM state secretary Kodieyri Balakrishnan alleged that trained BJP-RSS workers were involved in the killing of Haridas.

BJP state president said that BJP-RSS workers were not involved in the murder. He also alleged that the murder was an attempt by the CPM to deviate attention from other recent "political murders carried out by the party."

Haridas was a fisherman. He was murdered at around 1.30 am while returning home after work. He is survived by his wife and two children. His funeral was performed by evening.

Haridas's brother Surendran said that a five-member gang was involved in the murder, which took place near the victim's house. One of his legs was cut and there were around 20 injuries to his body.

The police were maintaining a tight vigil in the locality. CPM observed a hartal in the locality.

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