Thiruvananthapuram: Discordant notes were exchanged by senior leaders in Kerala’s ruling United Democratic Front coalition on Thursday after a fresh row was triggered over police handling of a controversial murder case.

The case pertains to a guard at a residential complex in Thrissur, Chandrasbose, alleged to have been murdered by businessman Mohammed Nisham for failing to open the gate quickly enough.

Kerala Congress (M) leader and government chief whip, P.C. George triggered the controversy, accusing police of taking a protective approach towards the businessman.

George accused none less than the director general of police for the state, K.S. Balasubramaniam of taking a stance beneficial to the accused, and said he would be providing proof of the police’s soft corner towards Nisham on Friday.

Balasubramaniam responded that he did not wish to be dragged into a controversy over the chief whip’s statement.

Senior Congress leader and home minister Ramesh Chennithala hastened to defend the DGP, pointing out that the “government has full faith in the DGP”. Countering George’s claim, Chennithala said, “If he has any proof, let him hand it over. We will inspect it.”

Chennithala said it was wrong to say there was any attempt to protect the accused. “The government will take all efforts to ensure that Nisham gets the maximum possible punishment”, Chennithala said.

Chandrabose had died in hospital after a few days of the assault on him, and one of the accusations against police is that a statement was not taken from Chandrabose before his death, even though he had spoken to medical staff and family members. The disappearance of the uniform the guard was wearing at the time of assault has also led to speculation about police trying to protect the accused.

George, who alleged that the DGP was attempting to sabotage the case, said he stood by his statement and that he would go ahead and provide proof for his allegation.

Earlier, the police commissioner for Thrissur, Jacob Job had been changed after allegations that he had privately spoken to Nisham. George alleged that Job had been made a scapegoat and removed from the post because of pressure from above to protect Nisham.

Nisham, who owns the Kings Group, which has multiple business interests, also has cases registered against him in Karnataka.