Report sought for ‘release’ of TP convicts sparks row

Kozhikode: A letter from the prisons department that sought a report on the security measures that need to be taken in connection with possible parole release of three convicts in T P Chandrasekharan murder case has triggered a controversy. Prisons (HQ) issued the letter to various jail superintendents on Oct 25.The letter said that some of the accused in TP case were recently acquitted in Thalassery double murder case due to lack of evidence and the govt had asked the dept to examine security-related matters involved in the possible release of Kodi Suni, Mohammed Shafi and Shinoj. "So, you are directed to submit a detailed report on safety precautions to be taken if the said inmates are released," it stated.Vadakara MLA KK Rema, wife of slain RMP leader Chandrasekharan, criticized the move, terming it ‘highly suspicious'. "The move is mysterious. I think they are exploring ways to release these convicts during the tenure of Pinarayi Vijayan govt. High court had clearly said that the convicts should not be granted remission for 20 years. Granting them remission is impossible unless they get an order from the apex court. By giving them frequent paroles, CPM and govt are conveying a message that they are with them," she said.Rema pointed out that the letter failed to mention the term ‘parole' and instead used the word ‘viduthal' (release) which makes the letter even more suspicious. She added that the convicts were granted parole repeatedly and cited the example of TK Rajeesh, who was recently given 46 days of parole purportedly for ayurvedic treatment.Meanwhile, department authorities said the letter was issued after these convicts were acquitted on Oct 8 in the 2010 murder of two RSS activists Vijith and Shinoj to examine the security implications if they are released on parole.A report by the superintendent of Central Prison and Correctional Home, Kannur to additional district sessions court-III to shift TP case Suni to Thavanur jail has surfaced now. It states that the department had received secret information from credible sources that TP case convicts Suni, Kirmani Manoj and another prisoner in Block- 2 (Britto) were engaged in the use and exchange of intoxicants inside the prison.The letter mentioned that Suni was arrested for violating parole norms under Kenichira police station limits and that three policemen were suspended for giving him liquor while he was taken back to prison after appearing in Thalassery court. An order was issued later to shift him to Thavanur prison based on the report.