Kannur: When a political murder takes place in Kannur or nearby areas, the retaliation is almost instant. The political parties have perfected a system of revenge that reads like a thriller. That is what happened in Mahe on Monday night when RSS worker Shamoj was hacked to death soon after CPM leader Babu Kannippoyil was killed at Palloor.
A police official who preferred anonymity told DC that the gangs are well-connected and the target is selected in advance. Both the CPM and RSS camps have lists of political foes to be attacked and the prey is hunted out for retaliation whenever required.
Thalassery ASP Chaithra Theresa John told DC that such a system exists in the area. "In Kannur each party has a well-oiled machinery to pass on information, source arms, vehicles and manpower within no time," she said.
The retaliation angle in the Mahe incident was under investigation, she said and added that other possibilities also could not be ruled out as the locality is notorious for criminal activities.
Another policeman said that executing a murder in retaliation within minutes of a killing was a reality in Kannur. The workers' mindset has changed to such a level due to indoctrination, draining out all emotional elements, he said.
Even if the party leaders strike a peace pact, the workers will not act in tune with it. The leaders have ensured goons at each level to execute such orders in time. When they receive the orders, they go in search of the listed victims. If the target is not found at the right place, another will be finished off. "The leader of each area, branch or zone acts like a local czar unmindful of the pressure mounted at the top," he added.
