Periye Twins Murder Case
S.VICTORIYA,
Government Law College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Introduction:
On February 17, 2019, an incident that would shake the state of Kerala took place in Periy, Kasaragod district. Little did anyone know at the time that this incident would claim the lives of two young men who were active in political activities in the area. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this incident is a contemporary testament to the height that political vandalism can reach. The court and police proceedings of this incident have seen many changes. This news report provides full details of the incident that took place in Kerala that ended the lives of the two young men.
Background:
Both Kripesh and Sarathlal were born in Periye, Kasaragod district of Kerala. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) was strong in their area. Their interest in politics from a young age led them to join the youth wing of the National Congress when they reached a young age. Not only that, it also motivated them to continue doing party-related work in their areas. Their political work instilled a kind of fear in the CPI-M leaders and members. Therefore, on 14 February 2019, the accused convicted in this case are planning to kill them. In this planning, two persons have been joined who get assaulted and have a personal grudge against one of the victims[1].
The Crime:
For party - related work, both Kripesh and Sarathlalwent to the Echiladukkam bus stop on 17 February 2019. After they completed their work, they took a bike and rode it to their homes. On the way to their home, they were fatally attacked by the people who came from a vehicle and kidnapped them to another. The next day, the dead bodies of the two youngsters were found in the nearby area of Periye. So this case was called the "Periye Twins Murder Case"[2].
Initial Proceedings:
The police officers of the Behal police station, which is located near the scene of the incident, started an investigation into the incident. Later, the Kasaragod Crime Branch police department continued the investigation into the incident. The case related to the incident was filed in the criminal court. The families of the victims, who did not have faith in the police investigation, approached the court and requested a CBI investigation.
The court transferred the case to the CBI investigation as per their request. Realizing the seriousness of the case, the Kerala High Court transferred the case to the CBI Special Court. Due to this, the charge sheet filed in the Hosdurg criminal court was rejected. Further, the CBI officials completed their investigation and submitted a fresh charge sheet before the CBI Special Court.
Investigational Findings:
In the investigation, the CBI has found the killers through some forensic evidence and eyewitnesses. They filed a charge sheet in front of the CBI Special Court against 14 persons. Later, the eight persons who were directly involved in the crime were charged under IPC Section 302 (murder), Section 143 (unlawful assembly), Section 147 (rioting), Section 148 (rioting while armed with a deadly weapon), Section 120 (destruction of evidence), Section 341 (wrongful restrainment), and Section 120b (criminal conspiracy).
These charges are proved by the CBI prosecutor Y. Bobby Joseph with sufficient evidence. And the other four persons were found guilty under IPC Section 225. On 28th December 2024, the final hearing of this incident was held in CBI Special Court, the final arguments of both parties were heard by the panel of judges and convicted the 14 persons as accused[3].
Verdict:
On 03 January 2025, the CBI Special Court in Ernakulam declared the judgement of the Periye Twins Murder Case. In this judgement, the 10 persons (A. Peethambaran, Saji C. George, K.M. Suresh, K. Anilkumar, Jijin, Sreerag, A. Ashwin, Subeesh, Ranjith, and A. Surendran) were sentenced to double life imprisonment for murder and criminal conspiracy. On each of the criminals a fine of 2 lakhs rupees was imposed by the court. And the other four persons [ Manikandan (Democratic Youth Federation of India leader), former Uduma MLA K.V. Kunhiraman, Raghavan Velutholi, and K.V. Bhaskaran] was should pay a fine of 10,000 rupees each and sentenced to 5 years of rigorous imprisonment. The failure to pay a fine will result in an additional year in prison[4].
Conclusion:
This is the final chapter of the incident that took the lives and livelihoods of two young men who were walking around alive with many dreams in 2019. The CBI Special Court, comprising Justices P.B. Suresh Kumar and Justices Jobin Sebastian, delivered the verdict in the case and gave solace to the families of the two who died five years ago. However, the families of the deceased have expressed their dissatisfaction with the sentence. All four prominent persons who were convicted in the case have filed an appeal in the Kerala High Court. Due to this, the execution of punishment for the four persons has also been stayed[5]. Whether those involved in this incident who took the lives of two young men who were living with many dreams and aspirations will be brought before the eyes of justice and placed on the scales of justice, and whether justice will be given to the families of the victims, is something that the people of the area are waiting for.
“Political vendetta has led to the death of two vibrant young men”.
~ Judges of the Case
REFERENCES
[1] https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2024/Dec/28/periya-twin-murder-case-cbi-court-finds-14-persons-including-former-cpm-mla-kunhiraman-guilty (07/01/2025)
[2] https://www.hindutamil.in/news/india/1345851-10-sentenced-to-double-life-term-in-kerala-political-twin-murder-case.html (07/01/2024)
[3] https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2024/12/28/periya-double-murder-case-verdict.html (08/01/2025)
[4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/former-mla-kv-kunhiraman-periye-double-murder-case-convicts-transferred-to-kannur-central-jail/article69064999.ece (08/01/2025)
[5] https://www.latestlaws.com/latest-news/periye-twin-murder-case-high-court-suspends-sentence-awarded-to-four-cpi-m-activists-223058 (08/01/2025)
[1] https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2024/Dec/28/periya-twin-murder-case-cbi-court-finds-14-persons-including-former-cpm-mla-kunhiraman-guilty (07/01/2025)
[2] https://www.hindutamil.in/news/india/1345851-10-sentenced-to-double-life-term-in-kerala-political-twin-murder-case.html (07/01/2024)
[3] https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2024/12/28/periya-double-murder-case-verdict.html (08/01/2025)
[4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/former-mla-kv-kunhiraman-periye-double-murder-case-convicts-transferred-to-kannur-central-jail/article69064999.ece (08/01/2025)
[5] https://www.latestlaws.com/latest-news/periye-twin-murder-case-high-court-suspends-sentence-awarded-to-four-cpi-m-activists-223058 (08/01/2025)