As the fingerprint analysis confirmed the death of CPI(M) leader W.R. Varada Rajan, the party announced that his funeral will be held on Tuesday.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) M. Shakeel Akhter said fingerprints of Varada Rajan obtained from the U.S. Consulate matched with that of the body in the mortuary of the government Royapettah Hospital. The U.S. Consulate had recorded his fingerprints when he applied for a visa.
“His wife identified the body on Sunday. Matching of fingerprints further confirms it. We have also sought DNA analysis in this case,” Mr. Shakeel said.
The body was fished out from Porur lake on February 13. CPI(M) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan said the body would be kept at the party office in T. Nagar from 11 a.m. for party cadre and the public to pay their homage. The funeral procession will start at 3 p.m. “His death is an irreparable loss to the Communist movement,” Mr. Ramakrishnan said. CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat in his condolence message said the party was shocked and grieved at the death of Varada Rajan, a valued comrade who contributed to the development of the party and trade union movement. “The tragic manner of his death has been painful for all of us. I convey my heartfelt sympathy to his wife, sons and other family members,” he said.
