Life Sentence Handed Down: Convicted PFI Cadres Face Justice in Grisly Palm-Chopping Case

New Delhi, July 14, 2023: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) trial court in Ernakulam, Kerala, has handed down a life sentence to three out of the six Popular Front of India (PFI) cadres convicted in the gruesome 2010 case of attempted murder, where a professor’s palm was chopped off.

The court’s judgment was pronounced on Thursday, with Sajil, Najeeb, and MK Nazar receiving life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 50,000 each. The remaining three convicts, MK Nausha, PP Moideenkunu, and PM Ayoob, were sentenced to three years in prison.

The convicted individuals faced charges under the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. They were found guilty of promoting religious enmity and carrying out terrorist acts. The court further ordered a compensation of Rs 4,00,000 to be paid to the victim from the collected fine amount.

One of the accused, Savad, who was part of the barbaric attack, remains absconding. The National Investigation Agency continues its search for him. Savad is also a member of the banned PFI.

The attack targeted Professor TJ Joseph, who allegedly made derogatory remarks about Prophet Mohammed in a question paper for a Malayalam examination at Newman College in Thodupuzha, Kerala. The accused considered the question provocative, leading to the brutal daylight assault on July 4, 2010, in the presence of the professor’s family. The assailants also threw a bomb to create panic and facilitate their escape.

The case initially involved 27 accused individuals, with the Kerala Police filing a chargesheet on January 10, 2011. Subsequently, the NIA took over the investigation, leading to the arrest and chargesheeting of an additional 20 accused. The NIA’s extensive investigation focused on unraveling the conspiracy and ensuring that every conspirator and criminal faced the consequences of their actions in a court of law. The agency’s efforts aimed to provide solace, support, and closure to the victim’s family.

In April 2015, the NIA special court had already convicted 13 individuals in connection with the case, highlighting the agency’s commitment to pursuing justice and holding those responsible for acts of terror and violence accountable.