CPI-M not to oppose CBI probe into Manoj murder case
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New Delhi: CPI-M central leadership has reportedly decided to not oppose a CBI probe into the murder of RSS activist K T Manoj, allegedly by CPI-M activists, in Kannur on September 1.
The party leadership had earlier stated that it had no role in the murder. Hence, it feels opposing investigation by any particular agency will cause confusion about its approach.
The decision is, however, yet to be announced officially.
Earlier, the Kerala government had issued a notification referring the murder to the CBI.
The notification was a follow-up of the decision to refer the case to CBI for further investigation. The State government forwarded the notification to the Centre. The notification would pave the way for a decision by the CBI on taking up the investigation into the case.
On September 1, Manoj and his friend Pramod were travelling in a vehicle in their home town Kathirur in Kannur when a seven-member gang first threw a bomb and then attacked them after the vehicle stopped.
While Manoj was hacked to death, Pramod escaped with injuries. Last week, he testified before the police that he can identify the attackers.
Soon after his statement came out, prime accused Vikraman surrendered in a Kannur court last Thursday.
The investigation into the case is carried out by the Crime Branch.
Since the BJP-RSS leaderships have already demanded a CBI probe into the case, the CBI might well agree to take it up.
Deceased Manoj was one of the people accused of making an unsuccessful bid on the life of Kannur CPI-M district secretary P. Jayarajan in 1999.