CPI-M MLA remanded in murder case

The DYFI state secretary and MLA from Kalyassery was listed as an accused, along with the party's district secretary P Jayarajan, in the case of murder of Abdul Shukkoor, an activist of the youth wing of the Indian Uinon Muslim League last February.

Justice S S Satheshchandran of Kerala High Court had earlier in the day dismissed the bail application Jayarajan and the anticipatory bail plea of Rajesh.

The court also resented the widespread violence during the CPI-M called hartal on August 2 to protest Jayarajan's arrest.

After failing to get relief from the high court, Rajesh proceeded to his home town Kannur in north Kerala with party colleagues and surrendered before magistrate C Mujeeb Rahiman by the afternoon.

The magistrate remanded him in judicial custody till August 27.

Rajesh would move a fresh bail plea in the court tomorrow, his counsel said.

Reacting to the development, CPI-M leaders alleged both Jayarajan and Rajesh were framed in the case by the Congress led UDF Government as part of its political agenda of demoralising the party.

Both he and Jayarajan had been charged under Section 118 of IPC (concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life) in connection with the murder of Shukkoor at Keezhara in February.

Shukkoor was murdered allegedly by CPI-M activists at Keezhara in Kannur district in February.

Police had claimed that some prominent CPI-M leaders in the district were aware of the circumstances of the murder and had sought to harbour the culprits.