The State police have chargesheeted 13 Communist Party of India (Marxist) supporters in connection with the murder of RSS activist Rajesh at Sreekaryam on July 30. The murder had triggered tit-for-tat violence between the BJP and the CPI(M) in the capital for the next two days.
More than 25 cases of rioting, unlawful assembly, destruction of property, criminal trespass and violation of the Arms Act were registered in connection with the violence that abated following a series of peace meeting between CPM and BJP leaders on August 3. It also led to a change of guard in the City Police Commissionerate.
The violence spiralled out of control when an armed group led by a CPI(M) councillor attacked the BJP’s State headquarters. The vandalism, which was caught on camera, went viral on social media.
The murder soon gained national attention. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely visited Rajesh’s home to offer his condolences.
Investigators have booked the suspects on the charges of conspiracy, murder, unlawful assembly, rioting, violation of the arms and explosives act and provisions of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They have named 89 persons as witnesses in the case. The police submitted 100 documents, including forensic reports, and 61 material objects. Assistant Commissioner, Crime Detachment, Pratapan Nair, chargesheeted the case.
