RSS activist's murder caused by political rivalry, confirms FIR

The death of RSS activist Rajesh in Thiruvananthapuram was a political murder and occurred due to the rift between DYFI and RSS, the police said in the FIR.

The FIR attributes the reason for the death as regional-level political rivalry. It also states that there were 11 persons behind the murder and seven of them - including prime accused Manikuttan - are now in custody. However, two persons who were directly involved in the attack are still absconding. 

Manikuttan owned up to the crime and also admitted that he is the local unit vice president of DYFI. The police are now trying to trace the phone calls and messages made by the accused to prove conspiracy in the attack. 

Kerala: RSS man hacked to death in Thiruvananthapuram, BJP calls for statewide bandh

The FIR contradicts the police's earlier statement that the attack was due to a personal enmity and political allegiance had nothing to do with it.  Some of the accused, who escaped to Kattakada after the murder, were arrested by the police at a rubber estate near Pulippara. All of them are found to be CPM-DYFI members.

The seven persons who are already in custody will be produced before the court later today. 

RSS activist's murder: CM to hold discussions with BJP leaders

RSS karyavah Rajesh was stabbed several times and his hands and legs were chopped off at around 9 pm on 29 July, while he was returning from the shakha. The incident occurred at Edavacode near Sreekaryam.

• RSS
• DYFI
• CPM