KANNUR: Police have confirmed in an inquest report that political animosity towards CPM activist Haridas led to his murder. The report also stated that the attackers had mutilated the body in such a way that it was not possible to count the number of wounds. According to police, there were more than 20 cuts on Haridas's body and it was difficult to count the exact number of cuts. The culprits mutilated the body by cutting in the same regions of the body. There were four wounds below the right knee and deep wounds on the left arm. There were several injuries below the waist.

Meanwhile, police have arrested four persons, including BJP Mandalam president and Kommal ward councilor Lijesh, in connection with the incident. The other arrested persons are Vimal, Amala Manoharan and Sumesh. Seven persons were taken into custody yesterday. Four of them were arrested after questioning. The accused have been charged with conspiracy. All the arrested are RSS-BJP activists.

Haridas, a fisherman, was killed around 2 am yesterday. The phone call made by Lijesh just before the attack turned out to be crucial in the investigation.