A landmark judgment was delivered by a Special CBI Court in the Periya double murder case, a gruesome incident that had shaken the political landscape of Kerala. Ten members of the CPI(M) party were sentenced to double life imprisonment for their involvement in the brutal murders of Youth Congress workers Kripesh and Sarath Lal.
The case dates back to February 17, 2019, when the two young political activists were ambushed and murdered in Periya, a small town in the Kasaragod district. The murders were widely condemned across political and social spectrums, leading to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to ensure justice.
In addition to sentencing the ten CPI(M) workers, the court handed a five-year prison term to former MLA K.V. Kunhiraman for conspiracy charges. The prosecution presented compelling evidence linking Kunhiraman to orchestrating the crime. His conviction marks a significant moment in holding influential figures accountable for political violence.
The families of Kripesh and Sarath Lal expressed relief and satisfaction at the verdict, stating that justice has finally been served. The judgment is also seen as a stern warning against the culture of political violence that has plagued parts of Kerala for decades.
The CPI(M) leadership has refrained from making detailed comments but indicated plans to appeal the verdict. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the Congress, have hailed the judgment as a victory for justice and democracy.
This case underscores the importance of an impartial investigative process and judicial intervention in combating politically motivated crimes. The Periya double murder verdict serves as a pivotal example of the legal system’s ability to address political violence and provide justice to the victims’ families.
