Vadikkal Ramakrishnan Murder: A Look Back at Kerala’s First Political Killing

Vadikkal Ramakrishnan, a Jana Sangh worker in Thalassery, Kerala, met a violent death in 1969, marking a turning point in the state’s political history. His murder is commonly regarded as Kerala’s first political killing, igniting a cycle of violence that continues to shape the region’s political landscape.

Key Facts of Vadikkal Ramakrishnan Murder:

• Date of Incident: April 28, 1969
• Location: Thalassery town, Kannur district, Kerala
• Ramakrishnan’s Affiliation: Jana Sangh (precursor to the modern BJP)
• Allegations: CPI(M) workers were accused of the murder.
• Initial Investigation: Pinarayi Vijayan, the current Chief Minister of Kerala, was among those initially named an accused, although charges were later dropped.

Lingering Controversy

The murder of Vadikkal Ramakrishnan remains a highly contentious issue in Kerala. The case was closed for lack of evidence, but allegations against the CPI(M) persist.  As a result, the story has resurfaced many times over the years,  frequently used for political purposes.

• RSS/BJP Perspective: The RSS and BJP have long held that the murder was an act of political violence carried out by members of CPI(M). They maintain that the lack of conviction was due to political interference rather than a lack of evidence.
• CPI(M) Perspective: The CPI(M) denies all allegations, stating the charges were politically motivated and a smear campaign. They emphasize the lack of conviction.

The Importance of Understanding History

Regardless of one’s political leanings, the legacy of Vadikkal Ramakrishnan’s murder is an indelible part of Kerala’s history. To understand the current political dynamics in the state, it’s crucial to examine this event and the continued debate and controversy surrounding it.