The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) is embroiled in controversy after party leader Bipin C. Babu revealed that the murder of Indian National Trade Union Congress leader Kaleekkal Sathyan in 2001 was premeditated and carried out by the party. Babu, in a letter to CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan, also announced his departure from the party, citing internal conflicts. Sathyan, a former RSS activist turned INTUC leader, was murdered in Kareelakulangara. Babu, previously accused in the case, was acquitted in 2006 after spending time in prison.