The Opposition UDF and BJP have declared a hartal in Kottayam district protesting against the ‘police apathy’ in tracing Kevin P. Joseph, who was found murdered on Monday. Kerala Congress (M) and BDJS too have announced hartal on the day.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said this was a premeditated murder in which police and outside interests had played a role. After visiting the Gandhi Nagar police station and the boy’s family on Monday, Mr. Chandy said he wanted the investigation to cover the CCTV images and telephone call recorder at the police station.

“The Chief Minister gives assurance to the people on many things, none of which are implemented in the police department,” he said. He alleged that the CPI(M) was playing politics with the murder as was evident from the delay in getting the post-mortem examination done, he said.

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the Chief Minister who holds the Home portfolio had lost control over the police department. He alleged that the boy died on account of the apathy of the police.

V.N. Vasavan, secretary, Kottayam district unit of the CPI(M), at a press meet said the family of Kevin were Left activists. The party leaders had arrived at the police station in support of the boy.

He alleged that the Opposition was trying to politicise a tragic event which left the entire State shocked.