Sun Jan 05 20:09:08 IST 2025: ## CPI(M) Leader Supports Convicts in Periye Double Murder Case Amidst Transfer to Kannur Jail

**Kannur, Kerala – January 5, 2025** – Former MLA K.V. Kunhiraman and nine other convicts in the high-profile Periye double murder case were transferred from Viyyur Central Jail to Kannur Central Jail on Sunday evening. The move has sparked outrage from the families of the victims, Kripesh and Sarathlal, two Youth Congress workers murdered in 2019.

Senior CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan, a member of the Jail Advisory Committee, visited the convicts in Kannur jail, offering his support and gifting them his book, “Kerala-Muslim Rashtreeyam, Rashtreeya Islam.” His presence, along with chanting CPI(M) workers, further fueled the controversy.

Jayarajan defended his actions, stating that prison should be a time for intellectual growth for communists, implying that imprisonment is a natural occurrence and that court verdicts are not final. He criticized the right-wing media for its alleged bias and expressed confidence in the convicts’ eventual exoneration. He also claimed the CPI(M) aims to end political violence, while condemning the violence occurring in society.

The Periye double murder case, investigated by the CBI, resulted in convictions in December 2024. Ten individuals received double life sentences for murder and criminal conspiracy, while four others, including Kunhiraman, received five-year sentences. The convictions were based on extensive evidence, yet 10 of the 24 accused were acquitted.

The victims’ families expressed strong condemnation of the CPI(M)’s support for the convicts and the transfer itself. Sarathlal’s father called the situation “jail is like heaven for Periye criminals,” accusing the CPI(M) of shielding the guilty. Kripesh’s father echoed these sentiments, criticizing the party for treating the convicts as freedom fighters. The transfer and the CPI(M)’s actions continue to generate significant public debate and controversy.

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