New Delhi: The CPI-M Monday denied its involvement in the murder of a former party leader in Kerala but vowed to take "strong action" if anyone within its ranks was founded involved.
The CPI-M said after a central committee meeting here that the Kerala Police was trying to frame the Communist Party of India-Marxist in the May 4 killing of TP Chandrasekharan.
"The police investigation is sought to be influenced by the government and the ruling party. The police is trying to implicate leaders of the party in Kozhikode and Kannur districts," it said in a statement.
"The party has condemned the brutal killing and denied any involvement in the incident. (It) has strongly asserted that it does not believe in the elimination of political opponents.
"The party has also stated that on enquiry, if it is found that there is involvement of any party member at any level, strong action will be taken."
K.M. Mani, a CPI-M leader in Kerala`s Idukki district, is facing murder charges after claiming that his party had in the past murdered political foes, a claim that has ignited widespread condemnation.
The Chandrasekharan killing, for which police have arrested several CPI-M members, has increased schism within the Kerala CPI-M.
The statement also said that it had set up a four-member Central Discipline Commission consisting of S. Ramachandran Pillai (chairperson), Madan Ghosh, V. Srinivasa Rao and U. Vasuki.
IANS
