Chennithala ends fast

The 24-hour fast undertaken by Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala demanding CBI probe into the death of S.R. Sreejith at Varappuzha concluded here on Tuesday.

Mr. Chennithala had blamed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and demanded that he relinquish the Home portfolio in the backdrop of the youth’s death following alleged custodial torture.

In a television news debate on Monday, the Opposition Leader had expressed doubts over the role played by the district unit of the CPI(M) in the issue. He had also pointed out that the culprits would go scot free as the police were probing a case where the police officials themselves are the accused.

In a release issued here on Tuesday, CPI(M) district secretary P. Rajeev alleged that Mr. Chennithala and the Congress were trying to gain political mileage by naming the party’s district wing in the case. He clarified that the party had no involvement in the case.