Amid the controversy over Kodi Suni, convict in the T.P. Chandrasekharan murder case, and associates allegedly consuming alcohol while in custody, another accused in the murder case T.K. Rajeesh has been granted parole.

Rajeesh, 35, was released on parole two days ago for personal reasons on the condition that he must remain within Ernakulam district. The parole decision attracted much attention as it coincided with the Kodi Suni incident, which led to the suspension of three police officers.

Jail advisory committee member P. Jayarajan defended the decision saying that “parole cannot be denied to those eligible, just because someone else has done something wrong.”

Responding to the action taken against the police officers, who facilitated Kodi Suni’s drinking session, Mr. Jayarajan said disciplinary action was taken against the officers based on police intelligence reports and not due to media pressure.

“The State government has made it clear that discipline will be enforced irrespective of party flags or affiliations,” he said and emphasised that the parole was granted based on legal provisions. He added that it was wrong to blame the government for individual lapses of police personnel.