CPM relieved by verdict on P Jayarajan

KOZHIKODE: While the CBI team investigating the Kathiroor Manoj murder is desperate to have CPM Kannur district secretary P. Jayarajan in custody, the CPM leadership is a bit relieved at Tuesday's court directive allowing interrogation during the day either at the Medical College Hospital or Central Prison, Kannur.

CBI sources say the investigation team is very cautious in dealing with the CPM leader as they don't expect any headway if they question him the hospital or the prison.

An official on condition of anonymity told DC that the investigation agency was not happy with the current situation as “only custodial interrogation applying all psychological tools would help elicit crucial leads from the hardliner.” The CBI also plans to approach the court saying it would be difficult for them to make any progress without custodial interrogation.

However, the CPM leadership still maintains that Mr Jayarajan, in this condition, will not be allowed in CBI custody. With decades of experience as party chief in Kannur, he is known for his organisational abilities.

CPM leader M.V. Jayarajan, who is running the party machinery in his absence, said the CBI was haunting the leader, who had gone through four courses of the angiograms, a rare case in medical history.