Police told to verify claims

State Police Chief Jacob Punnose on Saturday ordered the Idukki District Police Chief to verify the claims made by district secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) M.M. Mani that his party cadres had systematically eliminated certain political rivals during the 1981-84 period.

Mr. Mani's speech, which was broadcast on several television channels, had triggered yet another political controversy in the State.

Officials said the police would verify the original case diary files of at least four allegedly politically-motivated murders reported from the hill district in the early 80s. The law enforcement agency would also seek legal opinion on the issue.