Former DySP Harikumar, who was under investigation in connection with the murder of Sanal Kumar, was found dead at his family residence under mysterious circumstances. Authorities had sought Harikumar for his alleged involvement in a road rage incident that led to the death of Sanal Kumar. The incident, resulting from a parking dispute, ended with Sanal being forcefully pushed by Harikumar in front of a moving car. Since then, Harikumar has been on the run, evading several attempts by law enforcement to arrest him.
His close association with the CPI(M) and allegations of his involvement in various illegal activities also brought severe criticism to the party. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised several questions, as he was said to have expressed fear of arrest and impending humiliation. His death, just when he was about to be apprehended, has cast a long shadow over the investigations into the murder of Sanal Kumar, demanding a thorough probe into the incident.
The Murder Allegation:
On the fateful night of November 4th, an incident involving a parking dispute escalated into what would become a fatal encounter. Harikumar, the then Deputy Superintendent (DySP) of Neyyatinkara, was engaged in a heated altercation with Sanal Kumar. The disagreement quickly spiralled out of control, leading to a violent confrontation. In the heat of the moment, Harikumar allegedly pushed Sanal with great force into the path of an oncoming vehicle. This act of road rage resulted in Sanal’s tragic and untimely death.
Harikumar was quickly identified as the main suspect in the aftermath of the incident. Despite the mounting evidence against him, he evaded capture, sparking a statewide search. The gruesome nature of the incident and Harikumar’s subsequent flight from justice not only sent shockwaves throughout the community but also cast a deep shadow of suspicion over his conduct and integrity as a law enforcement officer.
Political Ramifications: Harikumar’s Alleged Ties to the Communist Party:
The political fallout of the case has been considerable, given Harikumar’s alleged ties to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M). The officer was widely seen as a ‘henchman’ of the CPI(M), with the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging financial links between him and the party’s local leadership. They suggested that Harikumar frequently acted under the party’s protection, which extended to his illicit activities. Critics argue that the party’s association with such a controversial figure has significantly dented its credibility and raised serious questions about its judgement.
The Congress, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism. They have accused Harikumar of demanding protection money from illegal sand miners, spirit smugglers, and money lenders in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border region, all under the alleged patronage of the CPI(M). Further exacerbating the political storm, the Congress also held Harikumar and his CPI(M) ‘handlers’ accountable for the arrest of Kovalam MLA M. Vincent on what they claim to be a ‘trumped-up charge’ of rape last year. The CPI(M) has categorically denied these allegations, but the controversy has undoubtedly stirred up political tensions and led to a demand for greater transparency and accountability within the party.
Harikumar’s Service History and Controversies:
Harikumar’s tenure in the police service was marked by several controversies, with his reputation tainted by allegations of corruption and criminal activities. Throughout his career, he was suspended multiple times due to official misconduct. Despite numerous reports from supervisory officers recommending his removal on the grounds of corruption and criminal nexus, Harikumar retained his powerful law and order posting in Neyyatinkara. His controversial service history and perceived invulnerability have been attributed to his alleged political patronage.
His involvement in various illegal activities also significantly influenced his checkered service history. Accusations ranged from demanding protection money from unlawful sand miners, spirit smugglers, and money lenders in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border region to the arrest of Kovalam MLA M. Vincent on what was claimed to be a ‘trumped-up charge’ of rape. These controversies further tarnished his reputation, casting a long shadow over his integrity as an officer.
The most shocking controversy related to Harikumar, however, was his alleged involvement in the murder of Sanal Kumar. Following a parking dispute, Harikumar allegedly pushed Sanal into the path of an oncoming vehicle. This gruesome act, coupled with his subsequent evasion of arrest, put the spotlight firmly on his controversial service history and alleged criminal activities, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into his deeds.
Public Reaction and Calls for Further Investigation:
The shocking incidents involving Harikumar provoked a strong public reaction. Sanal’s tragic death and Harikumar’s subsequent suicide sparked widespread outrage and disbelief across the community. The events led to a groundswell of public opinion demanding justice for Sanal and a thorough investigation into Harikumar’s associates and potential political involvement.
Rallies and candlelight vigils were held in memory of Sanal, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and the community’s expectation for justice. Social media platforms were awash with condolences for Sanal’s family, calling for a thorough investigation. The public’s grief over Sanal’s untimely death was closely tied to their anger and frustration towards Harikumar’s seeming impunity and evasion of justice.
In the wake of these incidents, there have been persistent calls for further investigations into Harikumar’s closest associates and potential political ties. The public and political opponents have questioned whether Harikumar could have managed his evasion and alleged illicit activities without external support. There is a growing demand for transparency, particularly from the CPI(M), and a thorough probe into the potential involvement of the party in protecting Harikumar. As the investigations continue, the public eagerly awaits the unveiling of the truth behind these tragic events.