Kerala CPM finds itself in Muthoot murder muddle

Gangsters never had it this tough in Kerala. A dozen of them have been arrested from Changanasseri alone in three days. The latest is Kari Satheesh, who admitted to stabbing businessman Paul M George on Friday. The highway murder of the scion of Muthoot M George Group has turned the tide against gangsters who have made a mockery of the state’s Goonda Act.

The police are still piecing together the events that led to the murder on the Alapuzha-Changanasseri highway. But early indications point to the involvement of at least two different gangs, about two-dozen strong, using a fleet of vehicles. The police have so far been unable to ascertain what George was  doing in the company of two notorious gangsters Om Prakash and P Rajesh. A special team has been formed to track down
the duo.

The opposition, however, alleged that the arrests were an eyewash to protect the real culprits. But home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishanan brushed aside the allegations. His family and office have often been linked to accused in several recent scandals.

Youth League state president KM Shaji said Om Prakash and P Rajesh came to Kerala to attend the wedding of Balakrishnan’s son. “The police should inquire
if the accused attended the wedding. A home ministry official and a police officer helped them get away,” he alleged.