The state government on Monday submitted before the Kerala high court that the claim made by CPM leader M.M. Mani in his controversial speech “is a clear admission that he abetted and conspired to kill political rivals.” As he was not tried in these cases, a further investigation was essential.
State made the submissions in four separate affidavits filed before Justice S Satheeshachandran on Mani's pleas seeking to quash the FIRs registered against him.
The court adjourned the hearing to Friday and asked Mani to file a counter affidavit. SP P Prakash of the Special Investigation Team submitted that the investigation had just commenced, and to test the veracity of the offences alleged against the petitioner, a detailed investigation was necessary.
“Mani's provocative speech has caused fear and alarm among the people, especially the opposite parties. Voluntary incriminating disclosure of the petitioner has made out a strong prima facie case against Mani.
The controversial speech made by Mani was not an ordinary political explanation or a general statement made about the murders which took place in Idukki,” state said.
It said, "Since it is not known whether the party executed any of the remaining persons in the hit-list. A thorough investigation is essential with regard to the plan led to the preparation of list of remaining 10 political rivals."
State further submitted that Mani voluntarily concealed the existence of a list prepared by the party for finishing off political rivals in 1980s. “The testimonies of the witnesses recorded by SIT reveals that the petitioner had alluded to three killings.”
State sought a directive to screen the controversial speech delivered by Mani before court to prove its case .