Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala police have zeroed in on a five-member gang which murdered Youth Congress leader Shuhaib. Two from the gang - Akash and Rajin Raj - had surrendered before the police Sunday. The police said they have intensified the search for the other accused, suspected to be DYFI workers.

Shuhaib, the Mattanur block Youth Congress secretary, was at a roadside teashop with two other party members when they were attacked at Mattanoor on February 13.

About 10 people are suspected to have direct links to the conspiracy and execution of the crime, of which the police have identified seven. The police sources said the local CPM leadership was aware of the crime. However, sources said the gang had planned to chop off a leg and not kill him.

The police intensified search for the assailants even as the Congress stepped up its attack on the government.

The government has called for a peace meet on February 21 at Kannur Collectorate.

Attempt to sabotage?

Senior Congress leader K Sudhakaran started a hunger stir, seeking to bring the culprits to book.

Allegations have been raised that there were attempts to sabotage the case by the Iriiti DYSP. “Disheartened by these attempts, the SP, who was probing the case, went on leave,” DCC president Satheesan Pacheni said.

CM condemns

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday condemned the murder said all those involved would be brought to book soon.

Pinarayi, in a statement, said some people involved in the case were taken into custody and others also would be arrested.

He said that immediately after the incident, police were given instruction to take stringent action against the culprits.

“Whoever is the accused and whatever may be their ties, it would not affect the investigation of the case," Pinarayi said.

He also sought the cooperation of all for maintaining peace and brotherhood in the state.

This was the first reaction of Pinarayi after the killing that triggered widespread condemnation from different quarters including opposition parties Congress and BJP.

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