The Thalassery Additional District and Sessions Court also imposed a fine of Rs 1.40 lakh on each convict. The court awarded cumulative sentences totalling 35 years under four sections of law, to run concurrently, in addition to life imprisonment
The prosecution had stated that the accused arrived as an armed group from different locations. Representational Pic/File
A court in Kannur district, Kerala, on Thursday sentenced seven RSS-BJP activists to life imprisonment for the 2008 murder of CPI(M) worker K. Latheesh, marking the conclusion of one of north Kerala’s most brutal cases of political violence, reported the IANS.
The Thalassery Additional District and Sessions Court also imposed a fine of Rs 1.40 lakh on each convict. The court awarded cumulative sentences totalling 35 years under four sections of law, to run concurrently, in addition to life imprisonment, the news agency reported.
Earlier, the court had found accused numbers one to seven guilty, while accused numbers nine to twelve were acquitted. The eighth accused died during the course of the trial.
Those convicted are P. Sumith, K. K. Prajeesh Babu, B. Nidhin, K. Sanal, Rijosh, Sajeesh and V. Jayesh, as per the IANS.
Latheesh, aged 28, was a CPI(M) activist, a CITU fishermen’s union leader, and a member of the Thiruvangad local committee. He was hacked to death at around 5.30 pm on 31 December 2008 at Chakyathumukku beach in Thalassery.
Attackers first hurled bombs
According to the prosecution, the attackers first hurled bombs to spread panic and then chased Latheesh, assaulting him with swords and axes. He attempted to take shelter in a friend’s house but was caught and fatally attacked, according to the IANS.
The assault also left Latheesh’s friend and fellow CPI(M) worker Mohanlal, also known as Lalu, seriously injured. Three others -- Santosh, Suresh and Majeed -- sustained injuries in the bomb attack and required medical treatment.
Launched a coordinated attack
The prosecution stated that the accused arrived as an armed group from different locations, surrounded Latheesh and launched a coordinated attack. Sumith allegedly delivered the first blow with a sword, while Prajeesh Babu inflicted the fatal neck injury using an axe, reported the IANS.
Continued to hack and stab deceased
Even after Latheesh collapsed near the shore, the attackers continued to hack and stab him before fleeing the scene, throwing additional bombs as they escaped.
Of the 64 witnesses listed by the prosecution, 30 were examined during the trial. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Latheesh’s brother, K. Santosh, the news agency reported.
(with IANS inputs)
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