Periya double murder case: Four convicts to remain in jail as government probes controversial parole

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The temporary release of four convicts in the high-profile Periya double murder case has been put on hold following intense scrutiny over a controversial mass parole decision. The individuals will remain behind bars until the Home Department submits a formal report on the matter. The developments follow a wave of backlash after prison authorities granted parole to all the key convicts simultaneously, triggering allegations of procedural violations and political favouritism. Critics pointed out that releasing the entire group at once bypassed standard jail protocols. Responding to the uproar, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala directed Biswanath Sinha, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the parole approvals. The contentious decision to clear their release was finalised by the prison department just before the LDF government wrapped up its term. Currently, five convicts in the brutal slaying of Youth Congress activists Kripesh and Sharath Lal in Periya, Kalliot, have already walked out of prison. First accused Peethambaran, fourth accused Anil, fifth accused Gijin, seventh accused Ashwin, and fifteenth accused Surendran reached their homes earlier this week after being granted a 20-day parole period. Further action regarding the remaining convicts hinges entirely on the upcoming findings of the Home Department's inquiry.