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Thiruvananthapuram: The untimely demise of BJP councillor K Anil Kumar has shocked the BJP district leadership and the party-men in the capital city. A lot of unanswered questions have come up after he was found hanging at his office on September 21. Meanwhile, major political row has broke following the death where the CPM has made startling allegations against the state BJP leadership. In turn, the BJP has accused the police and the CPM of driving him to the extreme step, while the CPM has called for a probe into the financial dealings of a cooperative society linked to the deceased leader.
Anil Kumar, 52, councillor of Thirumala ward and general secretary of the BJP’s Thiruvananthapuram city unit, was found hanging inside the party’s ward office on Saturday morning. His death, now registered as a case of unnatural death, has led to political blame games.
CPM to demand probe into the role of BJP workers in the incident
The CPM district leadership has alleged that Anilkumar's alleged reference to 'our people' in the letter means BJP workers and leaders. The party has launched protests and demonstrations demanding a probe into the role of BJP workers in the alleged fraud in the society run by Anilkumar.
CPM district secretary V Joy levelled serious allegations on Sunday. He said that the BJP cannot run away from the issue. "A BJP leader in Thirumala swindled ₹35 lakhs from the society. This shows the gravity of the fraud. Leaders availed huge sums from the society for party programmes and elections. Loans were sanctioned based on the recommendation of the party leaders. There were also binami transactions," Joy said in a statement.
Minister for General Education V Sivankutty also upped the ante on Monday. "When he says 'our people', it shows he was betrayed by those whom he thought were close to him. BJP controlled the farm society in Valiyasala. How can BJP distance itself from the responsibility of his death? 'Our people' means BJP leaders. Even now, the BJP is trying to use his death for political gains," V Sivankutty said.
Poojapura police have stated that, with no reports of abetment, chances of a further probe are slim. The CPM wants to persuade the Home department to issue an order for a further probe into the circumstances that led to the death of Anilkumar. Representatives of LDF & BJP in the council said that Anilkumar was a vehement critic of the LDF-led council and that his death has severely jolted the BJP councillors. With local body polls around the corner, the BJP has lost a key figure in the council who always marshalled allegations against the CPM in the council.
The BJP district leadership has put on an aggressive front to bust allegations of fraud in the society run by Anilkumar. The CPM was on the defensive after its councillor B Rajendran had to quit following allegations of bribe. Two branch secretaries in the district were also suspended after videos showed them demanding a bribe.
