The state government may hand over the investigation into the recent murder of RSS leader K. Manoj at Kathiroor in Thalassery to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala held discussions with senior police officers regarding this.

The Home Department has sought legal advice on handing over the case to the CBI and the DGP will will submit his report to the government on Friday.

The RSS had earlier demanded a CBI inquiry and Central Home Minister Rajnath Singh had spoken to Chandy regarding the case.

The Crime Branch team, that probed the murder of T.P. Chandrashekaran, had begun investigation in the case.

The scene of the crime and the house of Manoj was visited by S Ananthakrishnan, ADGP, Crime Branch, who is leading the investigation team.

The local police, which investigated the case on the first day, has submitted its report to the Crime Branch. A case has been registered against eight people who are believed to be involved. Two of the eight have been identified. According to the police, Vikraman, the main accused, had committed the crime using a new team of hitmen. Witnesses have said that they had seen Vikraman in the group that attacked and killed Manoj. It is also believed that other members of the group were from outside the state and they could have been arranged by Vikraman during his frequent trips to Bangalore for business needs.

According to post-mortem reports, Manoj died of wounds on the neck. Forensic experts believe that two bombs were used in the attack and that one exploded in the car knocking out Manoj unconscious. He had earlier escaped a similar attack in 2009 by jumping out of his car and firing at his assailants. Charges against the accused include murder, keeping explosives in custody etc.

In addition, provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been invoked against them, which is similar to anti-terrorist provisions. Under UAPA, accused would find it hard to get a bail and even people remotely connected with the crime can be booked.