KOCHI: CPI leader P Raju insisted that the mortal remains of the leader shall not be kept at the party office for the public to pay homage. Late P Raju’s brother-in-law Govindakumar announced the family’s decision.

Govindkumar said the party disciplinary action had left Raju shattered and alleged it to have contributed to the death. The family also alleged not receiving any notification regarding the party relaxing the disciplinary action against the leader.

The party had demanded that Raju's dead body be kept in the district committee office for public viewing. Meanwhile, Govindakumar, representing the family, said the public homage will be at the town hall but not at the CPI office. He also asked those responsible for taking disciplinary action against P Raju not to take part in the final rites.

At the same time, the CPI leadership has clarified that P Raju will be given the respectable funeral he deserves. CPI state executive member KK Ashraf said the party was deliberating about lifting the disciplinary actions taken against Raju.

The mortal remains of Raju, who dedicated his life to the party, will be taken from Rinai Medicity Hospital to Paravur in a mourning procession.

The CPI had appointed a three-member committee to investigate the matter following allegations of financial irregularities of Rs 73 lakhs during 2018-22. The Ernakulam District Committee met on January 10, 2024 and removed Raju from all positions. Along with Raju, action was also taken against M.D. Nixon, who was the district treasurer at that time.

Both approached the Party Control Commission. As per the recommendation of the commission, which upheld the irregularity, the CPI was planning to lift the disciplinary action imposed on Raju.