NIA Special Court Convicts 6 Persons In College Professor Hand-Chopping Case

The Court also acquitted five others in the case.

Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Kerala convicted six persons, allegedly members of now-banned PFI, in 2010 college professor hand-chopping case. The NIA Court earlier completed the trail of the 11 accused involved in the case. 

In the second phase of trial in the case, Special NIA court judge Anil K Bhaskar found them guilty of attempted murder, conspiracy and various other offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court also found some of the accused guilty of offences under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Court also acquitted five others in the case.

Initially, 31 accused faced trial. Of the 31 accused, the court in April 2015 convicted 10 for offences under the UAPA as well as the Explosive Substances Act and the IPC. The court also found three others guilty of harbouring the offenders. Later, the court acquitted 18 others in the case.

On July 4, 2010, PFI workers, which is now a banned organisation, allegedly chopped the right hand of T J Joseph, professor of Newman College in Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The incident took place while Joseph was returning home after Sunday mass at a church in Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district.

Seven persons intercepted the professor and assaulted him. Later, his right hand was chopped off by main accused Savad who is still absconding.

According to the police that initially probed the case, the accused wanted to kill Joseph for derogatory religious remarks in a question paper he set for BCom semester examination in Newman College.

In response to the verdict, Joseph claimed he didn't feel anything because he was more concerned that people who committed the atrocity were the victims of a narrow belief.

"I don't believe in the theory that the victim has got justice when the accused have been found guilty because those who have been named are only 'weapons' as those who planned this are still in hiding. especially the prime accused," said Joseph.