The Hindu : Kerala News : Chennithala demands probe by a special police team

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006

Kerala

Kerala

Chennithala demands probe by a special police team

Staff Reporter

Says `spirit mafia' has become active under LDF regime

GIVING SOLACE: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala consoling the mother and wife of the Excise Circle Inspector S. Jayaprakash who had been attacked by the so-called sprit mafia, at a private hospital in Kollam on Tuesday.

KOLLAM: Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Ramesh Chennithala has demanded a probe by a special police team into the activities of the so called Kariyilakulangara spirit mafia busted by an excise team on Sunday.

He was talking to presspersons here on Tuesday on his arrival to call on the Excise Circle Inspector S. Jayakumar who is in a critical condition after being attacked by members of the spirit mafia during a raid on the mafia's spirit godown at Kariyilakulangara.

Mr. Chennithala alleged that the spirit mafia in the State had become active once again with the Left Democratic Front coming to power. He alleged that the spirit worth Rs.64 lakhs seized at Kariyilakulangara was from the in-law's house of a known Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader. He said that quite a number of CPI(M) activists and leaders were involved in it. Those who attacked Mr. Jayakumar are CPI(M) activists, he alleged.

In order to cover up the CPI(M)'s involvement in the case, the investigation has been handed over to a Circle Inspector who is a close relative of a CPI(M) district secretary, Mr. Chennithala said. ``This is the reason why a demand for a special police team is made''.

The spirit mafia in the State has started taking the law into its own hands. The revocation of the Goonda Act has served to embolden the mafia. The situation gives rise to fears whether another Kalluvathukkal-type hooch tragedy, which occurred during the time of the previous Left Democratic Front regime, will be repeated.

Mr. Chennithala said he congratulated the excise team for showing the guts to raid the Kariyilakulangara spirit godown. He urged the State Government to declare a reward to all the members of the team.

Though Mr. Chennithala arrived at the hospital to call on Mr. Jayakumar, the hospital authorities said they were not allowing any visitors fearing infection. Mr. Chennithala then consoled Mr. Jayakumar's wife and mother who were at the hospital.

Still critical

The condition of Excise Circle Inspector Jayakumar continues to be critical. Hospital authorities said he had not regained consciousness and was still on the ventilator.

Doctors treating him said that no visitors were being allowed for fear of possible infection to the patient.

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