The Kerala High Court on Thursday expressed its doubts over the possibility of holding a second Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the conspiracy behind the murder of Revolutionary Marxist Party leader TP Chandrasekharan.
The court observed that a probe had already been completed and punishment had been awarded to the culprits. It also sought clarification from the prosecution as to why an additional FIR had been filed in the case.
TP Chandrashekhran was hacked to death on May 4, 2012, as he was returning home. In 2008, he had left the Communist Party of India (Marxist) to float his own outfit, Revolutionary Marxist Party. Those found guilty of the murder were found to have ties with the CPI (M).
The single-judge bench was hearing the petition filed by KK Rema, Chandrasekaran’s wife, demanding a CBI probe into the conspiracy behind his murder. The judge observed that the culprits cannot be charged again with a new conspiracy case.
“On the other hand, if there are new accused in the case, FIR could be registered against them and probe could be started. Three FIRs are existing in connection with the case. The CBI probe would be possible only after legal examination of these FIRs are complete,” said the court.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing.
Meanwhile, Rajasimhan, a practising lawyer said, “It is not only illegal to file a second FIR, it is also against the concept of a First Information Report itself. However, to initiate a reinvestigation into the case, a supplementary chargesheet can be registered by the prosecution.”
Chandrasekaran’s wife, Rema took over the party following his death. In 2016, during the assembly elections, Rema, who contested from the Vadakara constituency, was attacked by CPI (M) members. She suffered minor injuries in the incident.