Kannur: Six convicts in the Periya double murder case have been released on parole from Kannur Central prison, drawing sharp reactions from the families of the victims. The prison department granted a 20-day parole to the first accused Peethambaran, fourth accused Anil, fifth accused Gijin, seventh accused Ashwin, and fifteenth accused Surendran.
Background of the Case
The Periya double murder case dates back to 2019 when Youth Congress workers Kripesh and Sarath Lal were brutally murdered by CPM workers in Periya, Kannur district. The court had sentenced the accused to life imprisonment after a prolonged trial. The case had sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Kerala, highlighting the violent clashes between rival political groups in the region.
Parole Details
The parole granted to the six convicts is for a period of 20 days, allowing them temporary release from the Kannur Central prison. The decision by the prison department has been met with strong opposition from the families of the deceased, who alleged that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had denied them justice. They expressed their anguish over the release of the convicts, stating that it undermines the severity of the crime committed.
Victims' Families Seek Intervention
The families of Kripesh and Sarath Lal are now planning to approach the court and the Chief Minister of Kerala, seeking intervention against the parole. They argue that the premature release of the convicts on parole is a mockery of the judicial system and an insult to the memory of the victims. The families have vowed to continue their fight for justice and ensure that the convicts serve their full sentence.
Political Reactions
The parole has also sparked political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the LDF government for what they perceive as leniency towards the convicts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress have demanded a thorough investigation into the parole process and have called for the revocation of the parole. Meanwhile, the ruling LDF has defended the decision, stating that the parole was granted as per the rules and regulations of the prison department.
This development has once again brought the Periya double murder case into the spotlight, reigniting debates about political violence and the judicial process in Kerala. As the families prepare to challenge the parole, the case continues to evoke strong emotions among the public and political circles alike.
