Kochi: The verdict in the Periya twin murder case is a lesson against the CPM's endorsement of political violence, the families of slain Youth Congress activists Kripesh and Sarathlal said here on Saturday.

In their response to media after a special CBI court in Kochi convicted 14 accused in the case, Kripesh's father P V Krishnan and Sarathlal's father Sathyanarayan said they welcomed the verdict though they believe the acquitted people also had a role in the crime.

"We are happy that the CPM leaders like (former MLA) K V Kunhiraman and K Manikandan have also been convicted. Let it be a lesson for the CPM," Krishnan said. Thanking the CBI for taking up the investigation, he said that had the Kerala Police continued with its probe, none of the accused would have been convicted.

Sathyanarayan echoed Krishnan's sentiments and said that the two families will take a decision on filing an appeal against the acquittals of the 10 accused after consulting their lawyers.

"This is a verdict against political murders. Political positions should not be won by killing a person. Let it be a message for society and the coming generations," he said.
Kripesh's sister, Krishnapriya, and Sarathlal's sister, Amrutha, were also present at the court when the verdict was pronounced.