Haridath death: CB gets vital clues

KOCHI: The Crime Branch has got vital information regarding the deceased CBI ASP P G Haridath, who was under severe pressure from the higher officials while investigating the Sampath murder case. The Hurt and Homicide Wing (HHW) of the Crime Branch, investigating the death of Haridath, has recorded the statements of 300 persons, including the officials who have been named in the suicide note.“We have taken the statements of most of the persons, including the accused in the Sampath murder case. Even though those linked with the case denied having coerced Haridath during the investigation, the documents written by the deceased official states that attempts were made to put pressure on him while investigating the Sampath case. Haridath had communicated this in writing to the higher officials earlier,” a Crime Branch official said.“Haridath was an efficient officer and had functioned without duress. He often felt that he was sidelined and degraded. During the investigation of the Sampath case, he never permitted the involvement of other forces and the case was probed all by himself,” the official said.The Crime Branch has also received vital evidence regarding the Sampath murder case. “Both the cases are closely linked. We have recorded the statements of the key persons involved in the Sampath murder case and also the statements of the policemen involved in the investigation. Evidence of the Sampath murder case was obtained while investigating the official’s  suicide case,” he said.Meanwhile, officials who were named by Haridath submitted that they knew nothing about Haridath’s suicide. “The officials whom we interrogated said they had not coerced Haridath and never interfered in the case. But we will take their statements again. There are allegations against a few more officials which we will look into,” the official said.