14th accused in Periya double murder case: Kanhangad Block Panchayat president K Manikandan resigns

KASARGOD: K. Manikandan, President of the Kanhangad Block Panchayat, has resigned from his post following a CBI court’s verdict sentencing him to five years in prison for involvement in the murder of Youth Congress workers Periya Kalliyot Sharath Lal and Kripesh. Manikandan, who was the CPM Uduma area secretary at the time, was one of the 14 accused in the double murder case.

Although convicted, he was not jailed due to being granted bail. Manikandan had approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the conviction, but the Court directed him to file an appeal in the High Court instead.

Congress leader Adv. M.K. Baburaj had earlier filed a petition with the State Election Commission demanding Manikandan’s removal from public office based on the court’s ruling. His resignation comes just six months ahead of the upcoming local body elections. The CPI(M) had already approved his resignation.

Manikandan submitted his resignation letter to Block Panchayat Secretary Harikrishnan on Saturday evening.