CPM workers celebrate with flags featuring convicts of Suraj murder case during temple festival

KANNUR: In a surprising turn of events, a group of CPM workers were seen celebrating with flags bearing the images of individuals convicted in the Suraj murder case during a temple festival procession in Kannur. The celebration took place during the Kalashaghosha Yatra, a procession held as part of the festival at the Kuttichathan Madom temple in Parambayi, located near Kayalodu along the Koothuparamba-Kannur road.

As the procession made its way from Kayalodu, CPM workers enthusiastically waved flags with the faces of those convicted in the 2005 Suraj murder case. Along with waving the flags, they also chanted slogans in praise of the convicts. While such celebrations with party flags are common during festivals in Kannur, this is the first instance where flags featuring the images of convicts of a murder case were used in a public display.

The convicted individuals in the Suraj murder case include Manoraj (brother of the Chief Minister’s Press Secretary PM Manoj), TV Rajesh, Yogesh, Shamjith (Jithu), Sajeeven, Prabhakaran, Padmanabhan, and Radhakrishnan. These individuals were convicted for their role in the murder of the BJP worker Suraj.

Suraj, aged 32, was killed on August 7, 2005, near Muzhappilangad Beach by a group of CPM workers. The motive behind the murder was attributed to Suraj’s decision to leave CPM and join the BJP, which led to animosity. Prior to the murder, Suraj had been attacked by CPM workers six months earlier, resulting in a serious leg injury that left him bedridden for months. After recovering, he was attacked again, which ultimately led to his death.

Initially, ten individuals were charged in connection with the murder, but a confession from TK Rajesh, who was later arrested in relation to the TP case, led to the inclusion of two more suspects, including Manoraj Narayan.