Seven RSS-BJP Activists Get Life Term for CPI(M) Leader's Murder
Kerala court sentences seven RSS-BJP activists to life imprisonment for 2008 murder of CPI(M) leader Latheesh.
In a significant verdict, a court in Thalassery, Kerala, on Wednesday sentenced seven RSS-BJP activists to life imprisonment for the murder of CPI(M) local leader Latheesh in 2008. The ruling brings closure to a long-running case linked to political rivalry in the region.
Additional District and Sessions Court Judge Vimal J found Sumith alias Kuttan, K K Prajesh Babu, B Nidhin, K Sanal, Smijosh, Sajeesh, and V Jayesh guilty of the crime. The eighth accused, K Ajith, passed away during the course of the trial. Four other accused were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence.
The court delivered the sentencing after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence. The convicts were awarded life imprisonment following detailed consideration of the gravity of the offence and the circumstances surrounding the murder.
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The case pertains to the brutal killing of Latheesh on December 31, 2008, at Thalayi near Thalassery. He was allegedly hacked to death by the accused as part of an ongoing political feud. A friend accompanying Latheesh at the time of the attack was also seriously injured.
The accused were charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation. They were also booked under Sections 3 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.
The trial commenced on January 7, 2020, and involved the examination of 30 prosecution witnesses, 90 documentary exhibits, and 27 material objects. The verdict marks a major judicial outcome in a case that has drawn attention for its political implications and prolonged legal proceedings.
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