Kerala’s Prisons department has granted parole to two convicts in the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) leader T.P. Chandrasekharan murder case, triggering fresh political controversy in Kannur district.
Muhammad Shafi and Shinoj, both lodged at the Kannur Central Jail, have been released on 15-day parole. Jail authorities said the parole was granted as part of “routine or natural parole at the end of the year”, in accordance with prison rules. Another convict in the same case, T.K. Rajeesh, had been granted parole earlier.
Officials explained that under prison regulations, inmates are eligible for parole based on the duration of imprisonment – five days after one month in jail, and up to 60 days after one year. They added that parole had not been granted during the past one or two months owing to the local body elections, and that applications pending until December 31 were now being cleared.
Opposition charges
However, the parole has sparked allegations from the Opposition that “the ruling Pinarayi Vijayan government, which is nearing the end of its term, is facilitating the release of those convicted in politically motivated murders.”
Critics claim that the timing of the parole raises questions, especially amid prevailing CPI(M)-IUML tensions in several parts of Panur in Kannur.
Published – December 22, 2025 01:45 pm IST
