HC order for CBI probe into killing a setback to LDF govt:Oppn

Opposition Congress led UDF and BJP today said that the Kerala high court's order for a CBI probe into the recent killing of a Youth Congress worker in Kannur district was a setback to the LDF government. "The High Court, by ordering a CBI probe, has virtually expressed no confidence in the investigation by the state police," Opposition leader in the assembly Ramesh Chennithala said, The Court, while observing that there should be an impartial and independent investigation, today ordered a CBI probe into the killing of the Youth Congress functionary. Justice B Kemal Pasha gave the direction while considering a plea by the parents of the slain Youth Congress worker, Shuhaib, seeking a CBI probe into their son's killing. He directed the state police to hand over the probe to the CBI, besides the case diary and other materials to be handed over to the agency's Thiruvananthapuram unit. Chennithala said the High Court order had vindicated the UDF's demand that the charges against the accused be framed under provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention (UAPA) Act. He also alleged that there was outside interference in the investigation by the state police. BJP State President Kummanom Rajasekharan demanded that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan give up the home portfolio in the wake of the High Court order. He said a point to be noted was that the court passed the order hours after Vijayan stated in the assembly that there was no need for a CBI probe in the case. "Vijayan should relinquish the home portfolio as the High Court has criticised the investigation of the case by the state police', Rajasekharan said. CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that the party was not afraid of a CBI probe. "Let them hold an impartial probe", he said. Balakrishnan maintained that the state police probe into the case was progressing in the right direction. It was not known why the High Court reached such a conclusion to order a CBI probe into the case, he said. The CPI(M) leader also alleged that both Congress and BJP was trying to make it a political issue. Shuhaib was hacked to death at a tea stall allegedly by CPI(M) workers on February 12.

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