KASARAGOD: V.M. Muhammad Rafeek, the Crime Branch head investigating the Periya double murder, has been transferred. The Congress alleges that he was transferred because the investigation was moving towards top personnel. However, the official statement says that it is due to medical reasons. Instead of Rafeek, Kottayam SP Sabu Mathew has been appointed.

The government intervention came when the main accused A. Peethambaran and driver Saji George was taken into custody for interrogation. CPM will be under a crisis if more people relate to the murder are added to the list of accused. If there are any flaws in the investigation and the case is transferred to CBI, the SP will be bound to explain matters in court. This might have also led to the transfer.

The path of further investigation will be decided by the new SP. The accused in custody will be presented at court on Monday after interrogation.