The two Italian marines, Latorre Massimillano and Salvatore Girone, are likely to be shifted from the Poojapura central prison to any guest house by next week.
Government sources said that with the Italian deputy foreign minister Mr. Staffan De Mistura himself calling on the chief minister Mr. Oommen Chandy and making the request, the government would take a favourable decision. There was also a direction from the court in this regard.
However, the government is delaying a decision on the matter as the crucial Piravom by-polls are round the corner.
The ruling Congress-led UDF fears that any step in favour of the Italians who are accused of murdering a two fishermen may have adverse impact on the polls.
ADGP (Prisons) Mr. Alexander Jacob has already been asked by the government to submit a report on shifting the Italian marines.