Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction over police’s quick action: CMO

Thiruvananthapuram: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, voiced concern over attacks on political workers in the State and said political violence was unacceptable in a democracy.

Singh discussed with him the recent incidents of political violence in the state. "I have expressed my concern over the law and order situation in the state of Kerala. Political violence is unacceptable in a democracy," he said in a tweet.

The home minister's phone call to the Chief Minister came a day after an RSS worker was hacked to death by a gang near Thiruvananthapuram.

The Chief Minister's office also confirmed that Singh spoke to him Sunday morning over phone.

"The Chief Minister informed him that the state government would take action against the accused, whoever they may be. Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction on this stand," the CMO said in a Facebook post.

A gang led by a history-sheeter had attacked the 34-year-old RSS 'karyavahak' Rajesh and hacked him to death. His left arm was chopped off and there were several injuries all over his body.

Police said the suspected main accused, a history-sheeter, was among those taken into custody from rural Kattakkada near here Sunday morning.

City Police Commissioner G Sparjan Kumar said interrogation of the accused was going on.

"Six persons are in police custody now. They were taken into custody from rural Kattakkada. A hunt is on for one more person. Only a detailed questioning will reveal the exact number of accused involved in the crime," he told PTI.

State Police Chief Loknath Behera has appealed to the people to restrain from spreading rumours and provocative messages, statements, photos and videos.

"Any such action would attract legal action," he said, adding that WhatsApp groups and Facebook posts are under the scanner of police.

As part of precautionary measures, adequate police force has been deployed in all sensitive spots across the city, the official said.