CPI(M) leader Karayi Rajan, one of the accused in the murder of Popular Front of India (PFI) activist Mohammed Fazal, has been elected as Kannur District Panchayat President on Thursday.

Rajan and his brother Karayi Chanrashekharan, who is also an accused in Fazal murder case, had won in civic polls from the Padyam division of Kannur district panchayat and Chellikkara ward of Thalassery municipality respectively.

On the oath taking ceremony Rajan had an unexpected visitor, P.K. Abdurahman, Fasal’s brother, who had come to wish Rajan. Earlier also Abdurahman had extended his support to Rajan as he believed that Karayi brothers have no role in that murder.

Karayi brothers who are out on bail have spent two years in jail in connection with the case. The CBI had restricted the candidates from entering Kannur district until the case was over.

Karayi brothers entered Kannur district only for giving nominations that even their campaigning was limited posters, social media messaging and phone calls.

They attended the swearing in ceremony with the special permission of the court.  Chandrasekharan had assumed charge as the chairman of Thalasserry municipality on Wednesday.