Ramachandran, an accused in two cases

KOZHIKODE: Ramachandran, who hails from Elamangottukavu in Onchiyam failed to make the cut in the Eramala panchayat elections in 2010. As the official faction of the CPM started tightening its grip in the region, Ramachandran was gradually drawn into the party’s helm of affairs at Onchiyam.The residents of Kunnummakkara say that Ramachandran has always been a much sought-after building contractor in and around Onchiyam. “There has never been any problem regarding the quality of his work. However, when he became active in politics, Ramachandran turned into a sidekick of senior CPM leaders. His involvement in criminal activities has come as a surprise though,” said one of Ramachandran’s neighbours, who preferred not to be named.Ramachandran, 53, is already an accused in two cases, including the murder attempt against Revolutionary Marxist Party leader T P Balan of Kunnummakkara. Ramachandran maintained close links with CPM leaders C H Asokan, P P Ramakrishnan and K K Krishnan, all three already under arrest as also P K Kunjananthan, for whom the Special Investigation Team has issued a look-out circular.The police investigation has revealed that Ramachandran was also part of the conspiracy behind the murder attempt against T P Chandrasekharan in 2010.