Paul murder: Abi arrested

September 22, 2009
Remand of Kari Satheeshan extended

The police today arrested Abi, the man who had engaged the quotation gang from Changanassery, which had accidentally killed Paul George Muthoott. Abi, a native of Mannachery in Alapuzha had engaged the quotation gang which includes Kari Satheeshan, the man who has stabbed Paul George according to the police version of the murder.

He had engaged the gang for settling scores with a man called Nizar. According to available hints Abi was arrested from New Delhi. The police is yet to officially record the arrest of Abi. Police sources suggested that the arrest would be recorded today. Police had earlier hinted that Abi would be named as one among the accused in the case, even though chances of his direct contact in the murder are remote. The investigating team is hoping to extract some vital information from Abi.

Abi is a frequenter in New Delhi, where his brother is running a hotel. A special police team had collected information from the relatives of Abi in New Delhi about his links. Abi had earlier confessed through his relatives of engaging the quotation gang for settling personal scores

Meanwhile the Ramakari First Class Judicial Magistrate today extended the remand on Kari Satheeshan, Jayachandran and Sathar.

Another breakthrough in Paul murder

September 20, 2009
Om Prakash and Rajesh never visited Delhi

The Kerala police team which stayed in the national capital as part of investigation on Paul murder case made some significant breakthrough by zeroing in on Abi, the man who is believed to have sought the help of quotation gang, which included Kari Satheesh, the man who stabbed Paul Muthoott. Abi had sought the help of the Changanaserry quotation gang to solve a problem with a man named Nizar. Police said that the gang proceeded to Alapuzha, according to the request from Abi.

Abi’s relatives are running a hotel in New Delhi and the police team collected more information from them regarding the man in question. Abi had earlier stayed with his brother who is running the hotel but left the place later. Hints are that Abi has conceded that he rented the service of the quotation gang. Abi is likely to be arrested or may surrender before the police within two or three days. Police is believed to have established connection with him through his relatives.

Police is hoping to extract some vital information from Abi regarding the murder of Paul George. He would be listed as one among the accused in the case. According to reliable sources the arrest or surrender may take place back in Kerala, most probably Alapuzha. The police team left the national capital today after completing the investigation process.

Meanwhile police sources stated that Om Prakash and Rajesh, the two goons was never in Delhi after the murder. The duo had earlier informed police that theyreached Delhi first from where proceeded to Jaipur and Kolkotta before finding a safe hide-out in Tamil Nadu.

Bail denied for goons

Saturday, September 19, 2009
Government opposes bail plea

The Ramankari Judicial First Class Magistrate Court today denied bail for Om Prakash and Rajesh, goon leaders in connection with Paul murder case. Om Prakash is the 15th accused and Rajesh 16th accused in the case. Thiruvananthapuram sub court had on Friday allowed preventive detention of the two under the goonda act.

Assistant public prosecutor Manoj K John has opposed the bail plea pointing out that granting bail to the goons would have adverse effect on the investigation process and the goons may try to kill evidence, if they are out. The counsel for the goons stated that the order would be questioned in higher court.

Meanwhile the Kerala police team in Delhi questioned those related to Paul George. Om Prakash was taken to Kumili on Friday as part of evidence collection.

Omprakash taken to Kumily for evidence collection

September 18, 2009
Resort staff identifies Omprakash. Paul and Omprakash stayed at the hotel for 5 days

The police, today, took Omprakash, one of the accused goons in the Paul Muthoot George murder case, to the Muthoot cardamom county resort at Kumily for evidence collection. The evidence collection was under, the Paul murder case Investigating Officer, Superintendent of Police AV George.

According to reports, Omprakash had stayed in this resort during the period of 05th Aug – 10th August 2009, along with Paul. Two north Indian women were also, reportedly, with them during their stay at the resort. The police collected information, with regard to the case, from the resort staff and the hotel registers were also examined.

During the above said period, three rooms were marked in the register as in C/o Paul M George. The staff identified Omprakash and they also informed the police that Paul and Omprakash, along with the women, had even stayed in a bungalow of a private cardamom plantation nearby Kumily, during this period.

The resort staff had went there to cook food for them. Police collected information from them also. The team went to Thekkady before returning.

Preventive detention of goons approved

Friday, September 18, 2009
Bail plea to be considered on Saturday

The Thiruvananthapuram First Additional Sessions Court today approved the government plea seeking preventive detention of Om Prakash and Puthanpalam Rajesh, the notorious goons involved in Paul murder case. NC Priyan, the government pleader had earlier moved a plea regarding this and the court has completed hearing in the case.

The goons are presently in judicial custody. The government pleader informed the court of various cases pending against the duo and pointed out that the accused has moved bail plea in all the cases. He pleaded for the preventive detention of the goons, stating that serious law and order problems would arise, if the goons come out on bail.

The Thiruvananthapuram district collector had earlier issued order for the preventive detention of the goons under the goonda act. The police department too had requested for the preventive detention of the duo in a report submitted before the court.

Meanwhile the Ramenkeri court would on Saturday give judgement on the bail plea submitted by Om Prakash and Rajesh in connection with Paul murder case.

Bail plea of Kari Satheesh postponed

Thursday, September 17, 2009
The plea postponed to September 24th

District Sessions Judge E Maitheen Kunju postponed the bail plea of twelfth accused of Paul murder case Kari Satheesh and other four persons to September 24th. The plea was postponed as the police did not submit the case diary before the court for the consecutive second time. Apart from Satheesh, the seventh, ninth, tenth, eleventh accused Sunil, Aneesh, Binoy and Jain Jose's bail peal was also postponed.

The court rejected the prior bail plea of Chathanad native Prasad and his brother Rangan in making the controversial S-shaped knife. The prior bail plea was rejected when the government pleader confirmed before the court that police has not taken any case against them and has not questioned them regarding the matter.

Goons brought to Kochi

Evidence collection lasted for one hour
September 15, 2009

As part of the investigation of the Paul murder case, the goonda leaders Om Prakash and Puthanpalam Rajesh has been bought to Kochi to get more proof on the case. The investigation team has taken both goondas to collect evidence to a hotel in Kochi and at Paul's flat in Thevara. Yesterday, both Om Prakash and Puthanpalam Rajesh has been given to police for seven day custody by the Ramagary Court in Alappuzha.

Both has been taken by the police for detailed questioning. Earlier, police said that both will be taken to places were they had travelled with Paul M. George. As part of investigation both has been bought to Kochi for collecting more evidence. Both the goondas has been bought to Kochi by yesterday evening and were questioned by the police till late night.

After that questioning they were bought to the specified places like the hotel and flat for further investigation. Today, at 9 am both Om Prakash and Puthanpalam Rajesh has been taken to Ernakulam General Hospital for check up. As Rajesh is a TB patient even from his childhood, even his X-ray was taken as part of check up. Both of them were bought to hospital as well as to other places with the tight security of armed police commandos.

After taking the evidence for one hour, both the goondas were taken to Alappuzha. As per reports, Shibu and Paul M George came to the flat the day of murder. They went to take the dress and meanwhile, Om Prakash and Puthanpalam Rajesh came there. When the security saw the people who were not frequenters to the flat, he asked them to reverse the car and asked to park it. After that they all left for Alappuzha. The incident occurred was asked to re-enact by the SP AV George and he also took evidence from those living there in the flat.

Om Prakash has told the police that he get around one lakh rupee per month, either through lending or by getting admissions for many people in different colleges in Bangalore. He also said that he has no real estate business or any other type of business with Paul George. He befriended Paul while he was hiding from a murder case and was in Pune.

Police still stands on their earlier statement that the murder occurred in a fit of anger and was not deliberate. But as the Paul murder case has caused much ripples in Kerala and shocked the parliament, police is not letting loose any nook and corner of the case.

Sudhakaran challenges Pinarayi Vijayan

Sudhakaran demands CBI probe into Paul murder

MP K Sudhakaran today claimed only the CBI should probe into the Paul M George murder case as the Kerala Police would not be able to bring to book the culprits behind the crime.

Speaking to reporters here today, he said '' the CBI should investigate the case. If the state government was reluctant to order a CBI probe, the party would move the High Court seeking CBI investigation.'' Mr Sudhakaran also refuted allegations against him and the senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran that they had links with the 'quotation' gangs in the State.

Yesterday, CPI (M) State Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan had indirectly referred to Mr Sudhakaran saying that the latter harboured goon leader Om Prakash, who had been arrested in connection with the Paul murder, besides charging that Mr Sudheeran had received money from a goon.

'' I challenge Mr Vijayan to prove that I had links with Om Prakash. If he could do that I will retire from public life and if not he should quit,'' he said.

Dismissing the allegations that the Congress party was shielding goon leaders in the state, Mr Sudhakaran said Om Prakash was a known SFI activist and leader of DYFI, showing clear links with the Communist Party.

Launching a political attack on Mr Vijayan, Mr Sudhakaran alleged ''the State Secretary was trying to target Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan in an attempt to kickstart another phase of divisive politics in the CPI (M).'' Mr Vijayan wants to promote Finance Minister Thomas Issac as the second rung leader rather than Mr Balakrishnan, who is presently a politbureau member.

Media acting to mislead investigation

Media has political ill intentions, says Kodiyeri.
Sunday, September 13, 2009

In a meet the press programme at Kozhikode, the state home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan stated that the enquiry on Paul M George murder case is going in the right direction, under the special investigation team.

Accusing the media of misleading the investigation, the minister stated that the media should have handed over any information they have received in connection with the Paul murder case to the investigating agency. They should have helped the agency in the enquiry. Instead some media is acting with political ill intentions to mislead the investigation.

Such media should themselves think upon and evaluate their doings, he said. When asked about CPI(M ) leader P Jayarajan’s statement, that police had made several weapon’s and artificial proofs to prove some cases earlier also, the minister stated that till now the police had not made any weapons or proofs artificially to prove the Paul M George murder case.

When the question was again repeated the minister said that he does not know whether the police had made any weapons or artificial proofs to prove any case. With regard to the CPI (M) general secretary Pinarayi Vijayan’s statements that enquiries should be conducted upon the reporters who have bought out several background stories of the Paul M George murder enquiry, the minister did not clarify about any such initiatives.

The present government’s policy is to take action against all goons irrespective of their inclinations to any political party. According to the allegations, several goons arrested recently are related to the CPI (M).If such allegations are to be believed then the government should be congratulated for taking strong actions against those goondas who are related to the ruling party.

The government is also highly dedicated to bring out the truth behind the murder, the minister added.

Omprakash, prey of factionalism?

Goon’s father: Omprakash discarded by the party in fear of image.
Sunday, September 13, 2009

In an exclusive interview to the Asianet News Team, Omprakash father, Prasanna Kumaran, says Omprakash is a prey of factionalism in the CPI (M).He also says that Omprakash had engaged in real estate business with Paul M George on commission basis.

“Ours is a CPI (M) family. Even now, we believe in the party and are not concerned about the leaders in it. Earlier, Omprakash was the DYFI area secretary of Malayinkeezhu and had fallen into some party cases also. But later some party leaders and the police had made him a regular criminal. He was charged for several cases, to save the faces of several party members. Now the party had discarded him, fearing his goonda image would hamper party’s image. He was charged with Krishna Kumar murder case, after some party leaders had pressurised the then area secretaries to do so, due to the alleged factionalism in the party. He is a Communist and is not involved with any Congress leaders. But the party leaders are now accusing him of connections with Congress leaders, to save the party’s image and hide their roles in making him a goonda.”

However, Mr. Prasanna Kumaran says that Paul M George and Omprakash had some business connections. He had helped the businessman in real estate business on commission basis. A mutual friend, who is an engineer in Technopark, introduced them each other. According to Omprakash’s father’s statements, the day Paul got killed they were returning from Pune after such a business journey.

The father also said that the truth behind all cases charged against Omprakash would not come out unless CBI investigates it.

The Asianet News team had tried to get Omprakash’s family’s statements, since the day on which the incident occurred. But his parents, who are now staying at Veliyathura, were not ready to talk to the media then. Prasanna Kumaran, today, raised his voice to justify his son, as CPI (M) leaders, including state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, have come out with several controversial statements denying Omprakash’s relations with the party.

Pinarayi lashes out another wave of anger

Media becomes axe handle of imperialism, alleges Pinarayi
Sunday, September 13, 2009

The CPI (M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, on Saturday, alleged that some section of the media in Kerala is is acting like the axe handles of imperialism.

In a function held to honour the noted littérateur Sukumar Azhikode at Kannur, Mr. Vijayan said that the thought of some media owners, that they can destruct every one by creating waves of fake news is not correct. Journalism, in this new world, has degraded to a situation where people use the media in their hands as weapons to fight their personal grudges. In such a world, the words of Sukumar Azhikode that ‘I walked over the waves without getting wet’ should reverberate in our minds. Any person, living among the people, does not continue to live because of the generosity and kindness of such media. People, who love to enjoy seeing their face and statements in the newspapers, should remember this.

He also said that Sukumar Azhikode, who had always acted according to his conscience even if it would not be pleasing to the people, is a model for everyone.

Sukumar Azhikode, who spoke later, said that Pinarayi’s speech was not just that of a politician but it was of a person who loved literature deeply and knows the literature in Kerala.

Pinarayi sets the stage
An intelligent act from Pinarayi
Sunday, September 13, 2009

Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI (M) state secretary is known as a shrewd politician armed with pre-calculated words and deeds. A miser in words, Pinarayi often hits headlines and has his plan enacted without chance for a minimal error. When Mr Vijayan stepped in again taking on the media for the second time regarding Paul murder case, it raised many questions. But as of ever the fire brand leader left the stage, as if nothing happened.

Through his second media briefing on Paul murder, Mr Vijayan has wisely targeted guns on the home ministry and Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. An all out, provoking attack on the media and rival politicians has stolen the limelight as expected. The planned attack has re-ignited a topic which was slowly getting warm. Now the government, especially home ministry has to guard themselves in public and more importantly in the state assembly. The timing assumes significance in the fact that the assembly is now in session and the tense atmosphere was due to settle down, following the surrender of Om Prakash and Rajesh.

In his first briefing on Paul murder, Mr Vijayan had challenged to give direct picture of which minister’s son was involved rather than using a general term. This forced Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan to come out with an open statement that his son is not involved and is not engaged in real estate business.

Leaving Kodiyeri isolated Mr Vijayan has made deep inroads in the party mechanism, where everything moves according to his aspirations. Adding to this is the word trap set by P Jayarajan, MLA. By making public the police strategy to prove cases, Mr Jayarajan has in a sense defended the police action of making knife, to be presented as evidence and thus given clear signal that the story about it is quite true.

Binish is again the villain !

Youth Congress: Omprakash protected by Binish Kodiyeri, at Dubai
Sunday, September 13, 2009

Youth Congress state secretary M Liju, today, alleged that Binish Kodiyeri, state Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan’s son , has protected Omprakash at Dubai. Enquiries should be conducted upon Binish’s dealings at Gulf, he said.

Talking to reporters in a meet the press programme here, Mr. Liju also said that though the Home Minister is answerable to the controversies sparked after the Asianet exclusive news, on the ‘S’ shaped knife used to kill Paul George, the minister has no grounds to do so as his credibility is already lost.

However, the Director General of the state Police, Mr. Jacob Punnose, should now answer to all the allegations raised against the police .If the allegations are real then he should also list all other instances where police had made artificial proofs or weapons to prove the case.

Pinarayi, here is the answer

Pinarayi has hidden agenda
Saturday, September 12, 2009

Ramesh Chennithala, Congress leader today hit back at Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI (M) state secretary for attacking Congress and media. He alleged that the police and government are protecting the goons and Mr Pinarayi Vijayan is trying to give a clean chit to criminals and acting as the advocate of the goons.

Mr Chennithala praised Asianet News for the investigative report on Paul murder and urged the media to expose the relation between the goons and Binish Kodiyeri, son of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, home minister. He added that Congress would try to collect more details regarding Binish- goon nexus. Mr Chennithala commented that Mr Vijayan and CPI(M) is haunting the media for bringing out the facts.

He opined that the effort of Mr Vijayan to take on the media including Asianet is commendable. Mr Chennithala pointed out that the mask of Mr Vijayan was exposed due to the investigative report of Asianet News. Mr Vijayan had claimed that RSS is behind Paul murder, citing that 's' sort of knife is used by RSS. This was exposed through the report by Asianet News. He added that Mr Vijayan is showing his anger against exposing him.

Mr Chennithala challenged the government to conduct an inquiry about the allegation made by Mr Vijayan regarding the connection between Om Prakash and former Congress MLA. Mr Chennithala made it clear that none among the three former MLAs who are presently MPs have any connection with Om Prakash and have not stayed in the room of any of the three former MLAs in the MLA hostel.

Mr Chennithala pointed out that the relation between Om Prakash and DYFI has been already exposed and it has been proved that Om Praksh was a former DYFI activist. Alleging that Mr Vijayan has got a hidden agenda regarding the Paul murder case, Mr Chennithala opined that it is not proper for political leaders to comment on murders.

He urged the CM to end silence and make his opinion clear regarding the previous developments.

Asianet News welcomes investigation

Asianet News has the responsibility to clarify facts

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Asianet News welcomed any sort of investigation regarding the report on the police foul play behind the making of ‘S’ shape knife, regarding Paul murder case. TN Gopakumar, Group Editor, Asianet News clarified that the channel stands firm on the report which was aired with full faith and is ready to co-operate with any kind of investigation.

Mr Gopakumar pointed out that one among the strongest political parties in Kerala has demanded an inquiry against Asianet News and assured full co-operation from the channel for any sort of inquiry. “ Here the government, Marxist party and we have common goal – to bring out the real culprits involved in Paul murder.

We have nothing to obstruct regarding that goal. Police can conduct any type of inquiry with our co-operation or else we can have any inquiry with the help of police, safe guarding the theory of equal participation. We have no regret in this regard” – stated Mr Gopakumar.

He added that Mr Pinarayi Vijayan through his words raised a doubt regarding the trustworthiness of Asianet News and said that such a popular channel like Asianet News has the responsibility to clarify facts before the people.

Mr Gopakumar stated that the channel is ready to face any investigation to clear the air of doubt.

False propaganda on Paul murder: Pinarayi

OM Prakash stayed in MLA hostel in the room of a Congress MLA
Friday, September 11, 2009

Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI (M) state secretary alleged that false propaganda is going on regarding Paul murder. Briefing media here, he claimed that all details has been exposed regarding Paul murder. Taking on the Congress leaders, Mr Vijayan alleged that the quotation gang from Changanassery, involved in Paul murder was brought to Alapuzha by a Congress leader.

Mr Vijayan accused that Om Prakash had stayed in MLA hostel in the room of a Congress MLA, who is presently an MP. He also accused that many Congress leaders including VM Sudheeran has relation with a famous goon.

Mr Vijayan slammed the media alleging that a section of the media is helping those who are interesting in diverting the investigation process. He opined that the reason why the media went after the blacksmith who made the knife should be found out and added that a section of the media is adopting a stand favouring the goons

Paul murder: HC slams police

Court rejects demand for CBI inquiry
Tuesday, September 08, 2009

The Kerala High Court today slammed Vincent M Paul, IG in-charge of Paul murder investigation for briefing the media while the investigation was on. The court was hearing a petition filed by Vilasini, mother of Kari Satheesan, the prime accused in the case seeking CBI investigation.

Justice N Sakthudharan Nambiar opined that the actions by the police has resulted in the investigation by media and pointed out that the actions like the briefing by the IG are leading the media for such sort of investigations.

The court rejected the demand for CBI probe citing that the investigation is in the preliminary stage and clarified that the petitioners can again approach the court again with the same demand, if situation demands so.

Director General of Prosecution, who appeared for the government informed the court that the investigation is heading in the correct direction and added that there is no need for a CBI inquiry.

Noisy scenes and walkout over Paul murder

House adjourned for the day
September 08, 2009

The state assembly today witnessed noisy scenes as the opposition raised Paul murder and moved an adjournment motion. The motion was moved by Thiruvanjoor Radhakrishnan of Congress. Mr Thiruvanjoor Radhakrishnan pointed out to the revelation made by Asianet News Investigation and demanded that the house should suspend all activities and immediately discuss the issue.

Mr Radhakrishnan pointed out that Vincent M Paul, the prime investigating officer had briefed the media about the ‘s’ type knife even before the postmortem report was out. Terming the stand taken by the investigating officer as dubious, Mr Radhakrishnan alleged that CPI (M) is interfering in the investigating process and trying to protect Om Prakash and Rajesh, two notorious goons.

Mr Radhakrishnan alleged that efforts are going on to sabotage the investigation process and demanded the resignation of the home minister.

Replying to the motion Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, home minister refuted allegations that police is moving according to a pre-planned script. He claimed that the investigation process is on the right tract.

Intervening in the discussion, Oommen Chandy opposition leader questioned the government stand against an open discussion in the case, if there is nothing to hide. He stated that the opposition is expressing the demand lying in the minds of common man for the resignation of the home minister. Mr Chandy alleged that the home minister is trying to protect and the government is refusing to have discussion on the matter fearing that his role would be exposed.

Speaker K Radhakrishnan denied permission for the motion following which members from the opposition and treasury members where engaged in a verbal discourse. Opposition leaders rushed to the well of the house, raising slogans. The house was finally adjourned for the day after which the opposition staged a sit-in in front of the Gandhi statue in the assembly.

Later speaking to the media opposition leaders demanded the resignation of the home minister.

Pinaray’s entry suspicious: Hassan

CPI(M) responsible for protecting goons
Monday, August 31, 2009

MM Hasaan, KPCC spokesman today alleged that the press conference that Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI (M) state secretary had over Paul murder case is dubious. Speaking to the media here, Mr Hassan questioned the demand raised by Mr Vijayan that the connection between Paul George and goons should be inquired. He alleged that such a move is intended to mislead the investigation and protect the goons.

Alleging that CPI (M) and DYFI are responsible for protecting the goons in the state, Mr Hassan claimed that bulk of the goons in the state are connected to these two organisations. Commenting on the reward proclaimed by the police to informers on Rajesh and Om Prakash, the Congress spokesman termed it as quite unwanted.

“Details about the hideouts of the notorious goons can be obtained from either home minister’s residence or the informers within the police. As such there is no need to waste public money as a reward” – stated Mr Hassan

Om Prakash and Rajesh surrenders

Remanded to custody
Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Om Prakash and Rajesh, two notorious goons who were absconding in related to Paul murder case surrendered in a court in Tamil Nadu court today. The duo surrendered before the Thirunelveli court at about 11.30 am today. They have been remanded for 14 days and moved to Palayamkotta sub jail. According to primary reports, the goons have surrendered in related to a case registered by Vanchiyoor police. The case is related to an attempt on muder on a youth at Vanchiyoor. Om Prakash was the first accused in the case and Rajesh the fourth accused. Police had issued a warrant against them regarding the case, which was produced in court today along with the request for surrender. The state police would have to move the Thirunelveli court for taking these goons to custody. According to reports the goons decided to surrender before the court considering the consequences they have to face, if surrendered before the police. The idea is to buy more time, as the police would have to go through long procedures for the release of these two connected in Paul murder case. Speaking to Asianet News Advocate Muraleedharan, the counsel for the goons calimed that his clients have surrendered in Tamil Nadu fearing torture by Kerala police, if surrendered before them. He added that bail application would be moved on behalf of his clients, once they are produced in court. The surrender is in a sense relief for the police and the state government as they were under fire for protecting the goons. The goons have received vital clues that they would be arrested by the police soon. A police team lead by ADGP Chandrasekhar has already proceeded to Thirunelveli for taking the next steps in this regard. The police is hoping to get both of them into custody tommorow. After getting them to custody, they would have to produce the goons in a court in either Alapuzha or Thiruvananthapuram and again seek custody so as to quizz them in relation with Paul murder case. Rumors were high during last two days that the goons would surrender before Kerala police. The police had clear idea about the possible hideouts of the two after arresting those who assisted them to escape to Tamil Nadu. A police team was in Thirunelveli, when the goons surrenderd quite accidently before the court.

Police plotted the muthoot murder story?

North Police Station CI asked to make the ‘S’ shaped knife.

Monday, September 07, 2009

The Asianet News team launched a sting operation after it came across certain loopholes in the statements issued by the police and by Satheesh’s family. Shocking revelations followed. The investigations led our team to a blacksmith on the outskirts of the Alappuzha.

The team introduced themselves as policemen from the North Police station The said blacksmith revealed that the ‘S’ shaped knife, which the police claimed that it had recovered from Satheesh’s house, was made by him at the behest of the policemen themselves.

Ironically, it was done on the same day when IG Vincent Paul had briefed the media about the details of the weapons used in the murder The blacksmith revealed that the Alappuzha North Police station Circle Inspector, KA Thomas - who is part of the police investigation team - had gone to his home and asked him to make two knives - one S-shaped and another, smaller one.

He wanted the S-shaped knife immediately. He also drew a picture of the same for the blacksmith to refer to. The small knife was supposed to be made with the following dimensions - 10 cm length and 3 cm width. He also gave the blacksmith five hundred rupees for this.

However, the blacksmith later informed CI Thomas about the second knife he had made, but no policeman ever turned up to take it.

video link----- http://www.asianetglobal.com/ShowVdo.aspx?VdoID=751

Satheeshan under police custody

Kari Satheeshan to be taken to spot of crime
September 05, 2009

The Ramankiri First Class Judicial Magistrate court today remanded Kari Satheeshan, the main accused in Paul murder case and Jayendran, another accused to police custody. The police had submitted a plea for the same before the court earlier.

The court also extended the remand of the other ten accused in the case. Jayendran is the co-ordinator of the quotation gang from Changanassery which was involved in the murder, according to the police version of the incident. Both the accused would be taken to spot of crime as part of the evidence collection process. Police also plans to extract more from these two, who played the lead roles in the murder. The duo would be subjected to more questiniong in coming days.

Police had earlier arrested eleven members of a quotation gang in connection with the murder. Kari Satheeshan had admitted before the media that he had stabbed Paul Goerge due to a sudden provocation as a result of a verbal clash over an accident involving Paul George. Rajesh and Om Prakash, two notorious goons who were along with Paul on his final journey are still absconding.

Paul murder: Biju discloses

No vehicle chased Paul's Endeavour
September 01, 2009

Biju's statement, after hitting his two wheeler by Paul Muthoot's Endeavour car it was not chased by any tempo traveller. Biju said to Asianet News that after the accident no heavy vehicle passed the road for around 20 minutes to Changanassery area.

In his statement Biju says that the vehicle that hit him was not followed by any other vehicle. Those who came to help him later went to the tempo traveller which was parked 20 metres away. To clarify this, Asianet News called Biju in his mobile, he repeated the same. He also said that he asked for help to the vehicles which were passing the area at that time.

The statement of Biju has vast difference with the statement that IG said in the press conference earlier. The IG said that the provoked youth in the tempo traveller chased the Endeavour car of Paul Muthoot after helping Biju to sit down. The quotation group followed the car and killed Paul Muthoot just after seven minutes of the said accident of the two wheeler.

Contain criminal elements: KPCC

The anti-people policies of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and its failure to contain criminal elements is affecting the life of the people of the State, KPCC general secretary M.A. Kuttappan has said. He was inaugurating a dharna organised by the District Congress Committee to protest against the ‘rise in the incidence of crime,’ in front of the mini-Civil Station here on Monday. The law and order situation had hit a new low.

Many leaders of the CPI(M) were patronising goonda elements, Dr. Kuttappan said. The LDF government had diluted the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, better known as the Anti-Goonda Act, to help anti-social elements, he said. All major cities were being controlled by goonda gangs. The police force had been demoralised, leaving the law and order in disarray, he added. DCC president P. Mohanraj presided over the inaugural meet.

Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, K. Sivadasan Nair, Adoor Prakash, MLAs; Youth Congress State vice-president Rinku Cherian; district president Babu Divakaran, Mahila Congress district president K.P. Rajalakshmi and Malethu Saraladevi, former MLA, also spoke. ‘Mafia culture’ Staff Reporter writes from Kollam: N. Peethambara Kurup, MP, has alleged that a mafia culture is taking root in the State under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.

He was inaugurating a dharna organised by the Kollam District Congress Committee (DCC) in front of the Civil Station here on Monday in protest against “the growing goonda culture in the State.” He said that the LDF rule provided no security to the life and property of the people. It appears that the government is unable to control goondas.

The police have become mute spectators to the situation. The situation is such that committing a murder has become a cinch in the State. DCC president Kadavoor Sivadasan, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Rajan and United Democratic Front district chairman Sooranad Rajashekaran spoke.

Remove Kodiyeri: Congress

Senior Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran has demanded that Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan be removed from his post if the LDF Government was indeed committed to the welfare of the people.

Inaugurating a dharna and march of the Congress protesting the alleged nexus between goondas and the police, here on Monday, Mr. Sudheeran said the police, who were bound to protect the lives of the public, had surrendered all such ideals and joined hands with goondas and mafia gangs, who in turn had Mr. Balakrishnan as their protector.

Stating that Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan could not shirk responsibility from the situation, Mr. Sudheeran said there was no solution other than the ousting of Mr. Balakrishnan from the post of Home Minister. District Congress Committee president A.A. Shukoor presided over the function.

Mother of accused blames police

Mother of the accused claimed that the police had planted a curved dagger in her house.




The State police are verifying the allegation that policemen probing the murder of businessman Paul Muthoot George had planted evidence to implicate the main accused, ‘Kari’ Satheesh, in the case.

A private news channel had telecast the interview of a blacksmith who claimed that he had forged a knife, similar to the one used for stabbing Paul, at the request of a police officer in Alappuza district. The officer is part of a special team investigating the case. The mediapersons who conducted the interview said they had posed as policemen to “elicit the truth” from the blacksmith. Satheesh’s mother had claimed that the police had planted a curved dagger in her house at the time of her son’s arrest.

The police said they had found a mobile phone SIM card in the name of Satheesh’s mother from the scene of crime. Investigators said they will send the SIM card for cyber forensic examination to analyse the call pattern. They said several of Satheesh’s associates had given statements that it was Satheesh who stabbed Paul. These and certain other evidences, which would be revealed during trial, had prompted the investigators to name Satheesh as one of the main accused, they said.
Police version

The police said Paul was murdered on the Alappuzha-Changanassery road on August 22. He was driving a Ford Endeavour van along with Dingan Manu, a key witness in the case. The vehicle got involved in a hit-and-run accident with a motorbike. A grouped of hired thugs, who were moving in three vehicles to give protection to a house, chanced to witness the accident after one of their vehicles broke down. The gang chased Paul’s van in one of their vehicles. Paul and Manu were not aware that they were being chased.

Investigators said Paul stopped a little away from the accident spot, got out of the van and discussed with Manu whether they should turn back and see what had happened to the motorbike rider.

The police suspect that Paul and Manu were under the influence of alcohol at the time. Their friends, Om Prakash and Kannanmoola Rajesh, both wanted men and proclaimed offenders, were tailing Paul’s van in a Mahindra Scorpio van. The van owned by Paul was driven by his chauffeur.

Investigators said that it seemed the gang caught Paul and Manu unawares. Paul was stabbed in the ensuing scuffle. Prakash and Rajesh soon reached the spot and shifted Paul to the hospital along with Manu in the Mahindra Scorpio van. They wanted to erase their presence at the scene of crime. The police version is that they fled the spot in the Ford Endeavour van. When the vehicle developed engine trouble in Kollam they abandoned it and reached Thiruvananthapuram. Later, they escaped to Tamil Nadu with the help of their associates.

Investigators said they were yet to see any conspiracy, stemming from personal or business rivalry, in Paul’s murder.

They said Paul was stabbed in the back during the brawl and it was more of an impetuous act than a premeditated murder.

The police will be moving for the custody of Om Prakash and Rajesh for questioning in connection with the murder. They had surrendered before a court in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. Investigators said the conspiracy angle, raised in certain sections of the media, would be thoroughly probed.

Muthoot’s family alleges conspiracy behind murder

August 29, 2009

A week after Kerala business tycoon Paul Muthoot was found murdered, his family has refuted Kerala Police’s road rage claim saying that there’s something more creepy behind his death.

Jnanamma Thomas, Muthoot’s grandmother refuted Kerala police’s road rage angle, alleging a cover-up of a brutal murder of her grandson .

“They did not tell us there was an accident angle to it in the beginning. But only they told there was an accident,” she said.

George P Easo, a family member said, “Politicians are changing their statements every other day. We don’t know whom to believe.”

Earlier, Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has dismissed opposition Congress charge that his son had links in connection with the recent murder of Muthoot group scion Paul M George.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Balakrishnan said, “My son (Beenish Kodiyeri) has no relation with the case whatsoever. The allegation that Beenish had connections with wanted gangsters was to create a ‘mystery’ over the case.”

Rejecting the charge that the Home Department was trying to interfere in the investigation process, he said a deliberate attempt was being made by vested interests to hamper the probe.

The government had nothing to hide in the case and was open to “any sort of investigation”, he added.

Balakrishnan also announced that a special investigation team had been constituted under the leadership of Inspector General of Police Vinson M. Paul to probe the murder of the Paul Muthoot George.

He said that the team was constituted as the inter-district ramifications of the case and deeper links would have to be probed in detail. The investigation would cover links of Muthoot George with goonda elements.

According to the police theory, a gang of nearly 22 men was behind the murder of Paul.

Paul was killed last Friday night on the Alappuzha-Changanassery road. A friend who was with him was injured and is in hospital; both were stabbed.

Paul, who was based in Delhi, had recently returned to Kerala to take charge of the leisure and hospitality arm. He was returning from an under-construction resort at Mararikulam when he was stabbed to death.

On Sunday, police arrested 12 persons, including notorious criminals, identified as Om Prakash and Rajesh.

Kerala home minister denies son’s role in Muthoot murder

August 28, 2009

Kerala Home Minister and Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Friday denied allegations that his son was involved in the murder of Muthoot business group scion Paul M. George.

“My son Bineesh is in no way connected to this case. My son is not involved in any real estate business. This is the handiwork of a group of people who spread canards. The purpose of this group is to purposefully create confusion and mislead those involved in the investigation,” Balakrishnan maintained.

George was travelling with two men, Om Prakash and P. Rajesh, both of whom who had criminal records, Friday night when he was murdered near Alappuzha. The duo are absconding while 14 other people have been arrested, including K. Satish, who police claim stabbed George.

Leaders of the youth wings of the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have alleged that Bineesh has links with the two absconding men and they are being shielded by Balakrishnan.

Balakrishnan said the case has been handed over to Inspector General of Police Vinson M.Paul, and a team under Additional Director General of Police Siby Mathew will oversee a drive against criminal gangs in the state.

CPI-M alleges RSS link to Muthoot group scion’s murder

August 27th, 2009

Communist Party of India-Marxist’s (CPI-M) Kerala secretary Pinarayi Vijayan Thursday alleged that the man arrested for the murder of Muthoot business house scion Paul M. George was linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

“The particular type of knife used to stab George is one which is used by RSS people,”

Vijayan told reporters here. “The probe is progressing in the right direction.” George was travelling with two men who had criminal records Friday night when he was murdered. The two men are absconding while 15 others have been arrested, including K. Satish, who police claim stabbed George. Vijayan also alleged that George was arrested from his home in Faridabad, a suburb of Delhi, in 2007 for possession of drugs.

“Have you found out using your investigation skills how George travelled with two people with known criminal records?

Do you know that he was in custody for two days for possessing drugs?”

He said that Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and his family were being unnecessarily dragged into the case. K. Surendran, president of the state Bharatiya Yuva Morcha, challenged Vijayan to come out with evidence on the supposed RSS links to the murder.

“He appears to have lost his senses because he is trying to defend Balakrishnan and his family who know everything about the murder,” said Surendran.

5 more arrested

1 lakh reward announced for informers
Sunday, August 30, 2009

The police today arrested five more in connection with Paul Muthoot George. The five are members of the quotation gang of which 11 are presently under arrest. Om Prakash and Puthanpalam Rajesh, the notorious goons involved in Paul murder case are believed to have reached Dubai. According to reliable sources the duo reached Dubai last Wednesday, even when back home in Kerala the police have formed a special squad to nab them.

The goon leaders are staying in a hotel owned by a non-resident Keralite. According to sources they are avoiding public appearance since their photos have appeared in news papers and television channels. Meanwhile the police announced one lakh reward for those who provide vital information about the absconding duo.

Efforts are in progress to plot a surrender drama and if the attempts fail, they are likely to fly to Singapore. Meanwhile Madathil Raghu, an NRI who was in news recently for the drunken drama at Thiruvananthapuram airport clarified that the notorious duo is not staying in his hotel.

Speaking to Asianet News, he stated that he was in no way engaged with the goons and enjoys no personal relation with them. He claimed that he has seen the duo only through news papers and television channels.

Action against police officers likely

......................................

Sudhakaran and Sobhana George refutes allegation
Saturday, August 29, 2009

Contrary to the claims by the home minister, the police is getting ready for departmental action against the police officers, relating to the allegations regarding the recovery of endeavor car related to Paul murder case. A departmental inquiry has found out that Chavara CI and SI along with another officer are guilty in the case. Hints are that they would be suspended from service.

As part of the on going investigation relating to Paul murder case, the police today searched the wife house of Om Prakash, notorious goon who is still at large. The special investigation team from Alapuzha conducted a search along with police officials from Thrissur.

The house is located at Poonkunnam, within the city limit. According to available hints, the police recovered some photos from here. Meanwhile K Sudhakaran and Sobhana George, Congress leaders refuted the allegation leveled against them connecting with Om Prakash.

Speaking to Asianet News K Sudhakaran MP clarified that he hasn’t seen or interacted with Om Prakash and those who are mentally distorted can only make such sort of allegations. Sohbana George, Congress leader claimed that she has seen Om Prakash only through television and the allegation is totally baseless

Police story falls apart

Police hides details from inquest report

Friday, August 28, 2009

The fabricated story woven by the police regarding the murder of Paul Muthoott George is finally cracking . The investigating officials has been so far claiming that the murder took place due to an immediate provocation caused by a road accident. But the testimony given by Shibu Joseph, driver of Paul has a different story to tell. The testimony says that Paul was murdered due to some previous rivalry. " Due to previous vengeance with my sir, some one assembled in group, with previous intention of killing, stabbed and killed him" - says the testimony.

Shibu has also stated to the police that two people who were along with Paul escaped from the spot in a Ford Endeavor car proceeding towards the direction of Thiruvananthapuram. But he hasn't revealed the identity of those two.Shibu has informed police that Om Prakash and Paul were good friends and the chances of the goonda leader murdering his boss is remote.

Meanwhile police has got credible information that Paul and Om Prakash had visited Alapuzha recently along with two women. They stayed for two days in a house boat. The police is yet to identify these women. The only clue is that they were from North India.

Mismatches are there in the inquest report prepared by the police regarding the recovered Endeavour car. Though Shukkoor, Chavara SI had informed the media that the driving license and credit card of Om Prakash, noted goon. This is not there in the inquest report. Similarly the recovery of a bag from the car, as disclosed by Vincent M Paul, DGP is also hidden from the report.

Meanwhile Chavara SI has submitted a report to Hemachandran, Thiruvananthapuram IG regarding the allegation that police had tried for the release of the recovered endeavor car. The IG had asked for a report, following allegations that CI had tried to hide up the incident. It is learnt that the CI has given a clean chit to his superior officer.

Drama over arrest

Satheeshan to be presented before court today

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The mystery surrounding the arrest of Kari Satheesan, the main suspect in Paul Muthoott George murder case took a new dimension today with Vilasini, mother of Satheeshan claiming that the arrest was a drama. She said that Satheeshan had informed the police about the willingness to surrender through a lawyer from Changanassery. Police has waited till evening and finally arrested him after locating the hide out. Vilasini informed that she had not seen her son after the incident but some of his friends had approached her and conveyed her that there is no reason to worry and Satheeshan would be surrendering before the police.Meanwhile the police has recovered the knife that was used to stab Paul Muthoott.

Vilasini added that Satheeshan was guaranteed high amount after the incident and one among his colleagues, who is presently under arrest has persuaded him to commit the crime.

Meanwhile Satheeshan would be presented before the court today. According to available sources Satheeshan would be presented before Ramankiri first class judicial magistrate court by 3pm. Satheeshan was brought to Alapuzha from Changanassery today morning. Presently he is being quizzed at a secret location. Hints are that Satheeshan has confessed to the crime.

Main Culprit nabbed

Investigation nearing completion
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Police today nabbed Kari Satheesh, the supposed main culprit in the Paul George murder case. Satheesh is believed to have stabbed Paul. According to reliable sources Satheesh was picked from a secret location at Payipad. Satheesh is the member of the quotation gang, which had a verbal quarrel with Paul George on the day of his killing. The 11 arrested in the case had earlier confessed to the police that Satheesh stabbed Paul suddenly and none from the gang was involved in the killing.

Satheesh is known for his short temperament and gets angry even on small provocation. He is believed to have involved in many gang star operations and is the pillar of the quotation gang headed by Biju. Police is yet to officially confirm the arrest of Satheesh. He is likely to be brought to Alapuzha police club for further questioning. Police is hoping to extract more details from Satheesh, which would help a long way in the investigation process.

Some more goons have also been taken into custody from various locations. Hints are that police is closing in on the investigation.

Kodiyeri takes on media

Investigation on track
Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, home minister took on the media today alleging that presently investigation by the media is going on in the Paul George Muthoott murder case. Speaking to the media he added that the media is cooking up the stories and trying to make the police follow the track.

The minister pleaded with the media to avoid the present mode and leave the investigation process to the police. Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that the investigation is proceeding in the correct direction and pointed out that a talented bunch of officials are handling the investigation and there is nothing to worry.

The minister refused to comment on the reports connecting him with the case. " You always say such kind of things. There is nothing new in it" - reacted Mr Kodiyeri.

Verbal clash over accident resulted in killing

DGP Jacob Punnoose & I G Vincent Paul

Monday, August 24, 2009

DGP Jacob Punnoose today disclosed that four among the gang which killed Paul Muthoot George, personally knew the target of their attack. Speaking to media at the state capital today he added that the police would look into the conspiracy aspect behind the murder. He added that it was the police who found out that Rajesh and Om Prakash, two goondas had accompanied Mr Paul on his last journey and claimed that the police has got nothing to hide in this matter.

The DGP stated that so far IG Vincent M Paul has not submitted the inquiry report to the ADGP and denied that the police has issued look out notice for noted goonda leader Om Prakash. The police today confirmed the arrest of 11 people belonging to a quotation gang in Changanassery, in connection with the murder of Paul Muthoott George. Speaking to Asianet News today morning IG Vincent M Paul confirmed that the arrest has been recorded. He also denied reports that Puthanpalam Rajesh and Om Prakash, goonda leaders has been taken into custody. The police is expected to announce more details today afternoon.

The 11 member quotation gang was taken into custody Sunday evening. Though official clarification regarding the part played by the gang is yet to come out, hints are that the killing took place due to a verbal conflict over an accident involving Paul George. The quotation gang was proceeding for destroying a hotel at Mannanchery on the fateful night and the Ford Ikon, in which they were travelling collided with the Endeavour car, which was driven by Paul.

This resulted in a verbal clash, which eventually ended in the killing. Police has already taken into custody, the two vehicles used by the quotation gang. The gang was engaged by another team for solving a issue related with a hotel. Un official reports hints that the Endeavour car in which Paul was travelling earlier met with an accident on the same day, in which a two wheeler passenger was injured.

The quotation gang was aware of this accident and this added to the vengeance. Police believes that the killing took place due to an immediate provocation. The investigating officials have so far not denied reports that Paul was travelling in a vehicle owned by Rajesh, a goonda leader and the driving license of Om Prakash, another goonda was recovered from the vehicle. They are believed to be quizzed by the police, but concreate evidence connecting them to the crime is still lacking.

Police are not ruling out chances of these two goonda leaders having proximity with Paul, which may have resulted in accompanying him.

Involvement of goonda leaders doubted

The Goons om prakash and Rajesh

Sunday, August 23, 2009

A day after the murder of Paul Muthoot George, the police officials are suspecting the involvement of two top goonda leaders from Thiruvananthapuram in the crime. It has been confirmed that these two goonda leaders where along with Paul, when he was killed. But the investigating officials are yet to figure out the role played by them.

The officials are not ruling out chances of these two being just witness to the crime. Unofficial reports hints that the police has recovered driving license of Om Prakash, a goonda leader from the Ford Endeavour car which was recovered from Chavara.

The owner of the car has been identified as Rajesh, another goonda leader. Both these goonda leaders had headed different factions and their union has created confusion among the police officers. Officials are seeking the reasons for both these goonda leaders accompanying Paul M George The police has taken nearly ten youths into custody and they are now being quizzed at the SP office at Alapuzha.

These people were picked up according to the statement made to the police by Shibhu, driver of the deceased business man. Hints from the police are that important breakthrough can be attained by today evening.

Earlier the police had recovered the Ford Endeavour car, which went missing following the murder. The car was recovered from Chavara near Kollam in abandoned condition. Paul was driving this car on the day he was stabbed to death and the friends who was with the young business magnet, were suspected to have escaped using this car.

Meanwhile police officials have extended the inquiry into other states, with suspesion handing around the friends group of the deceased businessman. The investigating officials quizzed Shibhu, the driver of Mr Paul in a secret location and hints are that valuable tips about the murder has been obtained. Manu, who had accompanied Paul at the time of murder is currently in treatment and police officials suspect his role behind the crime.

Manu has got connections with the quotation gangs and this has added to the doubts.

Police believe that the journey details of the killed business man was correctly conveyed to the killer gang, which points to the chances of the involvement of someone who was along with Paul Muthoot, in what turned out to be his last journey.

PAUL MUTHOOT MURDERED

PAUL MUTHOOT MURDERED ON AUGUST 21ST 2009

Muthoot George, one of the executive directors of the Muthoot Group and the second son of Muthoot M. George, was hacked to death by unidentified assailants, on August 21st 2009 Friday night, at Ponga near Alappuzha.

According to the police, Paul, 32, was on his way to a resort owned by the group at Champakulam, when a group of persons on a Tempo Traveller intercepted his vehicle around 1.30 am and attacked him.

Manu, who was with him in the car, also got injured during the attack He was admitted to a hospital.

Paul’s driver, who was travelling behind them in another vehicle, had found Paul and Manu, in the road. He rushed the two to the hospital and also reported the incident to the police. Paul had but died on the spot itself.

Paul’s driver is being questioned by the police now and they had recovered two mobile phones from him. According to reports, the police are in search for a third man who was supposedly with them in the car during the incident. Police suspects business rivalry behind the murder. Further investigations are also on.
The body is presently kept in the Alappuzha Medical College mortuary after postmortem.