NDF leader’s murder: 9 BJP-RSS activists get life term

 Monday, April 23, 2012: Nine BJP/RSS activists were today sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 302 of IPC in a case relating to the murder of a NDF leader PV Muhammed of Punnad near Iritty in the district.
Those, who were convicted in the case, were M Chandran (33), E Rathnakaran (42), P P Shaiju (31), P Pradeepan (34), P Baiju alias Vijeesh (31), K Babu (34), K K Padmanabhan (30), V Vineesh (31) and P Shaiju (30). The case of 14th accused A Satheesh (33), who was undergoing treatment for mental problems, will be taken later.
Thalassery Additional Sessions Court judge K Babu also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 and seven year additional life imprisonment to third accused Shaiju. A total of 26 accused, including RSS State leader Valsan Thilankery, were involved in the case. While nine were convicted today, 16 were acquitted by the court on April 21 last and the pronouncement of the punishment was deferred for today.
The incident occurred on June 7, 2004, at Punnad, when a group of BJP/RSS activists murdered Muhammed, NDF Irrity Sub Divisional Convener, and Punnad Juma Masjid President in early hours when he was going to attend the morning prayer.
All the accused were lodged at Kannur central jail. Muhammed’s son Firoz also had suffered injuries in the attack.