'Splinters caused Vikraman's wounds'

KANNUR: The crime branch team investigating the Kathiroor Manoj murder case on Saturday subjected prime suspect Vikraman to a detailed medical examination at Kozhikode medical college hospital to ascertain the nature of wounds on his body and confirm that they were caused by splinters from bombs used to attack the victim.
"According to doctors, the wounds, which have almost healed, were caused by splinters from bombs and caused around the time of the murder (on September 1)," an officer said.
"It is possible that one of the bombs fell on top of the Maruti Omni or the wall nearby, thus causing splinters to hit Vikraman, too," he said, adding that they would also probe if there was any other possibility.
Meanwhile, as per the call details analysed by police, Vikraman did not use his cellphone after August 30 and the cyber investigation team is analyzing the call details to ascertain whom all he contacted prior to the murder.
"It seems that the killers and the conspirators didn't want the repeat the blunder they committed in T P Chandrasekharan murder and they apparently kept away from using cellphones this time," said another officer with the crime branch team, adding that the cyber cell was trying to check if they had used other modes of communication.
Though Vikraman said he was involved in the crime and it was committed to avenge the murder of CPM activist M K Surendran in 1997, he always maintained that the CPM had no role in it.
The crime branch has not taken his statements seriously and is likely to question more CPM leaders in connection with the case.
As the dramatic surrender of Vikraman is also seen as part of a strategy on the part of the conspirators to sabotage the possibility of CBI probe into the case, the SIT wants to get some lead to reach the conspirators.
However, Vikraman is highly cautious not to drag the CPM into his 'confessional statements', an officer said, adding that they would be able to get some lead only if they crack the mystery about where he was in hiding and who gave him shelter.
The Congress, meanwhile, will take out a 'shanthi yathra' from Koothuparamba to Thalassery on August 20. Former MP K Sudhakaran will flag off the yatra while chief minister Oommen Chandy and home minister Ramesh Chennithala will attend the valedictory function.