Kasaragod: In a setback to the LDF government, two CPI(M) leaders, Uduma secretary Manikandan and Kalyot branch secretary Balakrishnan have been arrested in connection with the double murder case in Kasaragod, Kerala. Cases were filed against them for destroying evidence and abetting the escape of the accused.

Earlier, the CPI(M) Periya local area committee member A Peethambaran confessed to police that he plotted the killings of two Youth Congress workers over personal rivalry.

Sarath and Kripesh, the two Youth Congress workers, were hacked to death in a conflict with CPM members at Kalyot, Periya near Kasaragod on February 17.

Peethambaran told police that he was earlier attacked by the duo and that the CPI(M) did not act even after it was brought to its notice, and hence took matters into his own hands.

Peethambaran had previously complained to the CPI(M) about Sarath and Kripesh, who were the accused in the case where Peethambaran was attacked.

The statement of the seven accused mentioned that they committed the crime in an inebriated state. The police also hinted that more people are involved in the crime apart from the seven in custody and are continuing with the investigation.