Jayarajan jailed, CPM calls hartal

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Central forces were headed for Malabar to contain violence following the judicial remand of CPM central committee member P. Jayarajan for his alleged role in the summary “execution” of Muslim Students Federation leader Abdul Shukoor in Kannur on February 20.

Jayarajan, who complained of physical discomfort soon after the remand, was hospitalised.

Jayarajan has been arraigned 38th and his compatriot, T. V. Rajesh, MLA, 39th in the Shukoor murder case.

The CPM has called for a 12-hour hartal across the State on Thursday, with routine exemptions. In Kannur, the police clamped ban orders for two days.

Jayarajan has been charged with failing to prevent the murder under IPC 118: “Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life”.

The police’ led by SP Rahul Nair, got leads to his alleged involvement from the interrogation of Rajesh. His arrest coincided with his third time questioning by the special investigation team.

The CPI (M) cadre fought with police, stoned Government buildings and set ablaze public property on Wednesday after the judicial remand.

They also attacked media persons and offices of Congress and League in Kannur.

However, a massive mobilization mounted by the top party leaders, including P. K. Sreemathi, ended up, without spilling into major violence in spite of frayed tempers and given that Jayarajan is the district secretary of the party in its citadel of Kannur. The arrest was carried out amidst the yelling and shouting of hundreds bellicose party activists.

Jayarajan was led in a procession to the office of the circle inspector around 11 AM in response to a notice sent by SIT.

Sreemathi, State committee member M.V. Jayarajan, and James Mathew, C. Krishnan and K.K. Narayanan, all MLAs, accompanied him.

Jayrajan was greeted with slogans when he arrived The police had cordoned off the office and a large number of policemen were deployed to meet any eventuality.

Police allowed Jayarajan into the office and removed all party workers except leaders outside the compound.

The police team spoke to Jayarajan for 10 minutes and though he repeatedly asked reasons of his arrest, police refused to comment.

Later police allowed him to talk to MLAs and consult advocates before being taken to court.

When the police convoy headed by DySP P. Sukumaran came out of the CI office with Jayarajan, CPM workers made an attempt to stop the vehicle. However police officials removed the them and took Jayarajan to the court.