Kerala: CPM celebrates Periya double murder convicts as heroes at Kannur jail
The CPM felicitated the convicts of the Periya double murder case, which originated from the brutal murder of Youth Congress workers Kripesh (19) and Saratlal (23), who were killed on 17 February 2019. The sentence was pronounced on 3 January 2025. Ten of the accused received double life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹200,000 each. Four CPM men, including former MLA K.V. Kunjiraman, were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
CBI Court sentences 10 accused persons to undergo Life Imprisonment and 4 accused persons to Imprisonment of 5 years with total fine of Rs 21,40,000/- in Periya Double murder case of Kerala pic.twitter.com/c6jYVj32KS
— Central Bureau of Investigation (India) (@CBIHeadquarters) January 3, 2025
The convicts were initially housed in the Central Prison and Correctional Home in Viyyur, Thrissur district. However, they received sanction from the authorities to be transferred to the Central Prison and Correctional Home in Kannur. The transfer application cited difficulties for their family members and relatives in visiting them at Thrissur. The transfer was executed on Sunday, 5 January.
Upon their arrival at the Kannur prison, a group of CPM workers congregated in front of the jail gate and raised slogans to greet the convicts. This reception was led by senior CPM leader P. Jayarajan, who is also a member of the Jail Advisory Committee. The event has already become controversial. Reports suggest that Jayarajan was in the jail until ten minutes before the convicted comrades were brought in and that he provided the jail authorities with necessary “advice” to ensure that the convicts would be comfortable during their imprisonment. Later, he joined party members in raising slogans to greet the convicted comrades.
In his speech, Jayarajan stated that the court verdict was neither final nor ultimate, asserting that communists cannot be frightened by the prospect of imprisonment. He disclosed that, in his capacity as a member of the Jail Advisory Committee, he had visited the convicts in prison, held discussions with them, and presented them with copies of his recently released, controversial biography.
Jayarajan also criticised the media, accusing them of remaining silent when CPM members are killed and losing their moral responsibility. He questioned whether they believe that CPM men are bound to die.
Political observers and right-thinking citizens believe that the CPM’s actions are a direct challenge to the rule of law and the state’s law and order framework. It sends a message that the convicts are not treated as “real prisoners” but as “privileged residents” of the prison. Allegations have also surfaced that prisoners associated with the CPM’s so-called “killer squads” enjoy party and family life within the prison walls and benefit from undue flexibility in parole rules.
In light of the jail gate reception, the BJP has demanded the expulsion of Jayarajan from the Jail Advisory Committee. Many people also believe that Jayarajan is consistently behind the CPM’s plots to target and kill RSS members.
BJP Kerala President K. Surendran said on X, “The conviction in the Periya double murder case highlights the inherent violent and undemocratic tendencies within the CPM. Their reaction to the verdict exposes the moral decay that has deeply entrenched itself within the party.”
The conviction in the Periya double murder case highlights the inborn violent and undemocratic tendencies within the CPM. Their reaction to the verdict exposes the moral decay within the party. The same @cpimspeak, responsible for the brutal killings of @INCIndia workers in… pic.twitter.com/iBfx56RE4a
— K Surendran (@surendranbjp) January 3, 2025
Hibi Eden, Congress MP, on the Periya Double Murder Case Verdict, welcomed the judgement by saying “We welcome the verdict by the Ernakulam CBI court in the Periya double murder case where two youth Congress activists were murdered by CPIM and with the help of govt. Double life sentence has been given for the 10 main culprits butfamily and Youth Congress still has some concerns.”
We welcome the verdict by the Ernakulam CBI court in the Periya double murder case where two youth Congress activists were murdered by CPIM and with the help of govt. Double life sentence has been given for the 10 main culprits butfamily and Youth Congress still has some concerns pic.twitter.com/euLKOswrSn
— Hibi Eden (@HibiEden) January 3, 2025
The CPM’s glorification of convicted murderers in the Periya case reflects its brazen disregard for the judiciary and rule of law. By facilitating special privileges in jail and celebrating criminals as heroes, the Communist party undermines justice, promotes political violence, and erodes public trust, prioritising its agenda over ethical governance.
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