THALASSERY: The police said BJP constituency president Lijesh is the mastermind behind the murder of CPM activist Haridasan. Lijesh is BJP Kommal ward councillor. Apart from him, Vimin, Amal Manoharan and Sumesh were also arrested.

Seven people were taken into custody yesterday. After questioning all of them, the arrest of four was registered. The accused have been charged with conspiracy. All the arrested are RSS-BJP activists.

There was a BJP-CPM clash in Punnol days ago. The clash was related to a temple festival. Lijesh made a provocative speech soon after this and the video of it was circulated on the social media.

Haridasan, a fisherman was murdered Monday early morning at 2 am. Lijesh’s phone call just before the murder turned crucial in the investigation. It is hinted that a four-member killer group was led by Athmajan.