PETALING JAYA, Nov 27 — Some adored him but others, including those who shared his ideology, despised him.

Aravindan Balakrishnan, believed to be from Singapore, has hogged the headlines as the former Communist Party of England (Marxist-Leninist) national executive member has now been linked to the three woman, including a 69-year-old Malaysian, rescued from allegedly being held as slaves for some 30 years.

Described as short and plump, Balakrishnan, who is believed to be 73 years old, was a group leader in the 1970s. He was referred to as “Comrade Bala” and “Chairman Ara” by the left-wing group members then.

Together with his partner Chandra Pattni, the duo led numerous student protests in the past.

However, Balakrishnan started acting on his own accord and this did not go down well with the party which eventually suspended him.

The party, had in a statement on August 1, 1974 made available on a Marxist website, said: “At an extraordinary plenary session of the central committee of the Communist Party of England (Marxist-Leninist) held on July 17 (1974), the Central Committee decided unanimously to endorse the decision taken by the National Executive Committee of the Party on July 10 to suspend Aravindan Balakrishnan from all posts and from membership of the Party.

“The Central Committee also took appropriate disciplinary action on members of Aravindan Balakrishnan’s small clique.”

Scotland Yard confirmed Balakrishnan and Chandra were arrested by police in the 1970s.