Periya twin murder: Setback for Kerala government as CBI to investigate case further

 The high court division bench dismissed the state government appeal opposing a CBI probe 

<p>In a major setback to the Kerala government, Periya twin murder case will now be investigated by the CBI.</p>

In a major setback to the Kerala government, Periya twin murder case will now be investigated by the CBI.

<p>The high court division bench dismissed the state government appeal opposing a CBI probe and upheld the single judge observation.</p>

The high court division bench dismissed the state government appeal opposing a CBI probe and upheld the single judge observation.

<p>Youth Congress workers Sarath Lal and Kripesh were allegedly killed at Periya, Kasaragod, on February 17, 2019.</p>

Youth Congress workers Sarath Lal and Kripesh were allegedly killed at Periya, Kasaragod, on February 17, 2019.

<p>Kripesh died on the spot while Sarath Lal died on the way to a hospital in Mangaluru.</p>

Kripesh died on the spot while Sarath Lal died on the way to a hospital in Mangaluru.

<p>Hearing of the appeal petition was completed nine months ago.<br />&nbsp;</p>

Hearing of the appeal petition was completed nine months ago.

<p>Due to delay in judgement, the kin of Sarath Lal and Kripesh approached the Kerala high court on August 24 seeking to issue a directive to the government to withdraw the appeal and transfer it to any other bench for fresh argument.</p>

Due to delay in judgement, the kin of Sarath Lal and Kripesh approached the Kerala high court on August 24 seeking to issue a directive to the government to withdraw the appeal and transfer it to any other bench for fresh argument.

<p><br />Initially, the case was investigated by the Crime Branch special team. Former CPI (M) local secretary Peethambaran was the main accused.</p>

Initially, the case was investigated by the Crime Branch special team. Former CPI (M) local secretary Peethambaran was the main accused.

<p>CPI (M) Uduma area secretary K Manikandan and CPI (M) Periya local committee secretary N Balakrishnan were among the 14 other accused in the case.</p>

CPI (M) Uduma area secretary K Manikandan and CPI (M) Periya local committee secretary N Balakrishnan were among the 14 other accused in the case.

<p><br />Three accused including Manikandan and Balakrishnan were granted bail. The others are in remand.</p>

Three accused including Manikandan and Balakrishnan were granted bail. The others are in remand.

<p><br />The Crime Branch had given a clean chit to CPI (M). However, parents of Kripesh and Sarath Lal approached the HC citing dissatisfaction.</p>

The Crime Branch had given a clean chit to CPI (M). However, parents of Kripesh and Sarath Lal approached the HC citing dissatisfaction.