In a significant verdict, a Kerala court has sentenced eight CPI(M) workers to life imprisonment for the 2005 murder of a BJP worker. Among those convicted is the brother of the press secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, adding a political dimension to the case.
The 2005 Murder Case
The case dates back to May 2005, when BJP worker Kallurutty Shankaran was hacked to death in Kerala's Kozhikode district. According to the prosecution, the murder was politically motivated, arising from rivalries between CPI(M) and BJP workers in the region.
The attack, carried out by a group of CPI(M) men armed with deadly weapons, was part of a larger cycle of political violence that has long plagued the state.
Verdict and Sentencing
After nearly two decades of legal proceedings, the court found all eight accused guilty of murder, conspiracy, and unlawful assembly. They were sentenced to life imprisonment under:
✔ Section 302 (Murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
✔ Section 120B (Criminal Conspiracy)
✔ Section 149 (Unlawful Assembly)
One of the convicted individuals is the brother of Pinarayi Vijayan’s press secretary, which has added political sensitivity to the case.
Political Reactions
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BJP Leaders welcomed the verdict, calling it "justice long delayed but not denied."
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CPI(M) members, while maintaining that the law has taken its course, accused the BJP of using the case for political mileage.
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Victim’s Family expressed relief, stating that justice had finally been served after 19 years of legal battle.
Political Violence in Kerala
Kerala has witnessed a long history of political clashes between the CPI(M) and BJP, particularly in districts like Kannur and Kozhikode. The 2005 case is just one among several politically charged murders in the state.
Final Thoughts
With the life imprisonment verdict, the case underscores the deep-rooted political tensions in Kerala. As political parties react to the ruling, the focus remains on whether such violent political rivalries can be curbed in the future.
Would you like more insights into Kerala’s political history or similar legal cases?
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