Shukoor murder: Kerala HC denies bail to two CPI-M leaders

Kochi, Aug 13: The

today dismissed the bail plea of

Kannur district secretary P Jayarajan and also denied anticipatory bail to TV Rajesh, an MLA of the party, in the same

case.

Jayarajan has been behind bars ever since his arrest on Aug 1 in connection with the murder of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) worker Abdul Shukoor.

After failing to get relief from the court, TV Rajesh surrendered at the Kannur First Class Judicial Magistrate Court today. The MLA who has been listed as the 39th accused in the case was remanded in custody till Aug 27.

The police have already picked up over 25 persons for plotting the political killing on Feb 20, 2012. A majority of them belong to the CPI-M and organisations affiliated to it.

Shukoor was killed following an attack on a vehicle in which Jayarajan and Rajesh were proceeding to Ariyil in Taliparamba. Clashes between CPI-M and IUML activists had broken out in the area and the duo was on the way to take stock of the situation.

Hours after Jayarajan and Rajesh sustained minor injuries in the attack that was carried out by IUML workers, Shukoor was killed. The police have charged both Jayarajan and Rajesh with not revealing the advance information they had allegedly received of the conspiracy that led to his murder.

The CPI-M has expressed disappointment at the denial of bail to its two leaders. Former state Health minister PK Sreemathi, a member of the party's Central Committee, asserted that Jayarajan is innocent and said that there is no evidence against him in the case.

IUML is part of the United Democratic Front government while CPI-M is the biggest constituent of the opposition Left Democratic Front in Kerala. Activists of both CPI-M and IUML have ruthlessly bumped off their political rivals in the past.

OneIndia News