Kochi: The Kochi CBI Special Court has delivered its verdict in the Periya double murder case, which involved the brutal killings of Youth Congress activists Sarath Lal (23) and Kripesh (19) in 2019. The court, presided over by Judge N. Seshadrinathan, sentenced ten accused to double life terms, including the first eight accused, the tenth accused, and the fifteenth accused. They were also fined for their involvement in the heinous crime. Additionally, CPM leaders, including former Uduma MLA K. V. Kunhiraman, were sentenced to five years of imprisonment for their roles in the conspiracy.
The eight primary accused—A. Peethambaran, Saji C. George, K. M. Suresh, K. Anilkumar, Jijin, R. Srirag, A. Ashwin, and Subeesh—were found to be directly responsible for the murders. Peethambaran, a former CPM local committee member, was identified as the key mastermind. The killings were politically motivated, stemming from longstanding enmity.
Initially investigated by local police and the crime branch, the case faced significant political resistance, with attempts to shield influential CPM leaders. However, after the victims’ families approached the high court citing dissatisfaction with the investigation, the case was transferred to the CBI in December 2020.
The victims’ families expressed disappointment with the verdict, particularly the absence of the death penalty for the first eight accused. Kripesh’s sister stated, “The pain of our loss will never go away. The accused might reoffend after serving their sentences. Justice would have been better served with a harsher punishment.”
This case underscores the deep-rooted political violence in the region and the challenges of achieving justice amidst systemic resistance.
