NIA court sets stage to frame charges against PFI men in 2010 professor hand-chopping case

Kochi: A special NIA court in Ernakulam will frame charges against two prime accused in the 2010 hand-chopping attack on professor T J Joseph, finding prima facie evidence under IPC, UAPA, and the Explosive Substances Act.

Judge P K Mohandas heard arguments on 30 April from counsel for accused Savad and Shafeer C, then ruled to proceed.

In July 2010, PFI activists chopped off the right hand of Thodupuzha Newman College professor Joseph at Muvattupuzha, alleging blasphemy in a question paper he set. The NIA took over the probe, securing convictions against 19 individuals.

Savad, the first accused who allegedly wielded the weapon, was arrested in January 2024 in Berram, Mattannur (Kannur district), where he hid as "Shajahan". Shafeer, second accused, allegedly sheltered him and provided logistics in Chakkad and Mattannur since 2020.

Reviewing documents and evidence, the court stated: “On going through the documents and evidence in the case and on hearing the counsel for the accused and the prosecutor, I am of the opinion that there are grounds for presuming that the first accused has committed offences punishable under provisions of the IPC, the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and that the second accused has committed offences punishable under the IPC and the UAPA, and there are materials for framing charges under these provisions against the accused.”

Savad will be produced in court, while bail-bound Shafeer must appear on 15 May for plea recording. The trial will follow charge-framing.

(Inputs from PTI)