Ranjith, a convict in the Periye twin murder case, was granted parole for 15 days on Monday. The move triggered criticism since Ranjith, the 10th accused in the case, was released on parole two-and-a half months ago.
The first accused in the case, Peethambaran, and another accused Gijin are also out on parole, prison sources said. The case pertains to the murder of Youth Congress workers Sharathlal and Kripesh at Periye, Kasaragod, in 2019. Kannur Central Jail authorities maintained that parole was granted strictly in accordance with jail rules and established legal procedures. Strict conditions had been imposed on the convicts during the parole period and any violation would lead to immediate cancellation of parole and stringent action, they said. The prison superintendent said parole was a routine and statutory process and not an exceptional measure.
The repeated grant of parole through the intervention of the prison advisory committee had earlier drawn sharp criticism from the public and political circles, given the gravity of the crime.
Authorities added that the police were closely monitoring the convicts during parole.
Published – February 02, 2026 04:48 pm IST
