THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Around one-and-a-half hours before the gruesome murder of RSS Basti Karyavahak Rajesh, the sixth accused in the case was detained and released by Sreekariyam police for drunken driving, revealed an intelligence report. History sheeter Sibi was held while riding the Pulsar bike owned by first accused Manikuttan on July 29 evening. He was released on bail along with bike at 7.30pm despite the vehicle's original owner failing to turn up. He was released on bail against the surety of Vipin of Velamkonam, the 13th accused in the case.
At 9.30pm, Rajesh was hacked to death and over 40 wounds were found on his body. The very same motor bike bearing the registration number KL-22-C-1916 was used for the crime, report said. The report sent by special branch to the police intelligence chief recommended strong action against the 'irresponsible behaviour' of Sreekariyam police officials."Sibi already had many non-bailable offences registered against him at the same police station when he was detained," the report said. Intelligence DGP Mohammed Yasin was not available for a comment. Senior officials told DC that such a detainment had come to their notice during the probe.
"The sub-inspector who caught Sibi had not previously arrested the suspect. Hence, he might have been unaware of his antecedents. In any case, people in drunken driving are released as quickly as possible," a senior official said. The murder of Rajesh had triggered a political storm and discussion over BJP-CPM feud as some of the accused were CPM activists. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had come down to capital. The probe was taken over by Assistant Commissio-ner Prathapan Nair and all the 13 accused were arrested.
