Police `cover’ to CPM-mafia nexus

SULTHAN BATHERY: Patronised by politicians, the city, located close to two neighbouring states, is ‘growing’ — as the chosen haven for all types of racketeers. Vehicle lifters, hired goons, spirit/ drug peddlers… to name a few.

The last few months were ‘hijacked’ by vehicle lifters with a dozen cases being reported. Though police are chasing the culprits, political patronage for the criminals prevents them from taking ‘correct’ measures.

The arrest of six persons that took place on Tuesday night is a fit case of political meddling in favour of criminals. Though there were enough and more evidence linking the culprits to the crime, the ‘high-level’ intervention delayed the arrest.

According to sources within the police department, the gang was in the dragnet of police for more than one week and there was extreme pressure to slacken the pace of investigation.

When there was clear message from those at the helm of the State Government against protecting the culprits, the entire media was kept in dark about the progress of the investigation during the second phase of the operations. The officials confirmed the arrest only towards midnight on Tuesday and also claimed that all the accused were produced in the court during the night itself.

So the channels missed the story and the newspapers had to carry it in haste. It was earlier informed that the District Superintendent of Police himself would call a press conference to announce the ‘big catch’ which never materialised due to political pressure.

The arrest of the gang, which had links to vehicle lifting groups of other states, has already exposed the political links of the mafia group. Most of the accused are active workers of class and mass organisations of the CPM.

It is to be recalled that Jose, a seasoned criminal accused in the murder of Karim, the owner of Jungle Park Resort, Vythiri escaped from the court premises here recently in broad daylight.

It was alleged that Jose, a close ally of spirit peddlers and vehicle lifters, is close to many leaders of the ruling political front. He is reportedly visiting the district crossing the borders in vehicles supplied by influential politicians. Many attempts by the police to nab him proved futile as he was informed much in advance on the police vigil.