The City police have arrested all accused in the murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary Rajesh at Sreekaryam here two days ago. Two more accused, identified as Rajesh, alias Bhai, and Siby, were arrested by the special investigation team on Monday.
Rajesh was apprehended by a shadow police team from Mangalapuram following a tip-off. They were taken to the Armed Reserve Camp at Nandavanam for questioning. The police arrested all others, including the prime accused Manikuttan, on Sunday. They were remanded in judicial custody on Monday.
Meanwhile, the First Information Report in the case stated that the incident was the fallout of political rivalry between the CPI(M) and the BJP at Sreekaryam and nearby areas.
Rajesh was allegedly murdered after he supported some BJP workers in a clash with a group of DYFI workers at Panachakunnu Colony at Sreekaryam recently. However, the police maintain that the incident was borne out of personal feud between the victim and the prime accused.
Senior officials claimed that Rajesh had filed a complaint against Manikuttan and some others in connection with an altercation nearly a month ago. A counter-complaint was filed against Rajesh by the other group too.
Satisfied at the progress of investigation, State Police Chief Loknath Behera awarded the DGP’s Special Appreciation Plaque and cash reward to the investigation team. The team included the Control Room and Kazhakuttam Assistant Commissioners, Medical College Circle Inspector, besides the members of the city shadow team.
The police registered cases against the BJP-RSS workers who took part in a procession carrying the body of Rajesh to his house and, later, to the crematorium. The procession was taken out in violation of the prohibitory orders.
