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
 

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

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

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

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

Hearing of the appeal petition was completed nine months ago.
 

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.

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

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.

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

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