Riyas Moulavi Murder: Evidence against but RSS men walk free as ‘acquitted’

The Kasaragod District Principal Sessions Court has acquitted three Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists in connection with the brutal murder of Riyas Moulavi, a madrassa teacher inside a mosque in 2017. The verdict, which came after seven years of anticipation, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised questions about the efficacy of the justice system.

The acquitted individuals, identified as Ajith, Nithin Kumar, and Akhilash, all residents of Kelugude and affiliated with the RSS, were accused of trespassing into the Churi mosque and hacking 27-year-old madrassa teacher Riyas Moulavi to death on March 20, 2017.

The case garnered significant attention as the accused were apprehended within three days of the murder, and a charge sheet was promptly filed within 90 days, preventing the accused from obtaining bail. However, despite what seemed like a strong case against them, the court's one-line verdict simply stated that all three were acquitted.

The courtroom was packed with anxious spectators eagerly awaiting the outcome. Riyas Moulavi's wife, who had arrived at the courthouse with their child, broke down in tears upon hearing the verdict. Relatives of the deceased expressed profound sadness and disbelief, expecting justice to be served but finding themselves bitterly disappointed by the outcome.

The action committee, representing the interests of the victim's family and supporters, expressed deep distress over the verdict, emphasizing the need for the truth to prevail. They vowed to consider appealing the lower court's decision, hoping to uncover any potential conspiracies behind the acquittal.

The verdict is ‘shocking’, and will give a wrong message to society: Prosecutor

The prosecution was particularly vocal in denouncing the verdict, describing it as "shocking" and highlighting key pieces of evidence that seemingly implicated the accused. DNA evidence, which matched blood found on one of the accused with that of the victim, was presented during the trial. Furthermore, circumstantial evidence, including testimony regarding the blood on a motorcycle belonging to one of the accused and fibre content from the murder weapon, was deemed compelling by the prosecution.

Witness testimony remained consistent throughout the trial, and the prosecution argued that the weight of circumstantial evidence should have led to a conviction. They pointed out the potential implications of acquitting individuals in a case with such strong evidence, suggesting that it could undermine societal trust in the justice system.

Despite the prosecution's assertions, the court's decision to acquit the accused has left many questioning the integrity of the legal process. Concerns have been raised about the value placed on Riyas Moulavi's life and the potential implications for future cases involving similar circumstances.

As discussions surrounding the implications of the acquittal continue to unfold, the grieving family of Riyas Moulavi remains steadfast in their pursuit of truth and accountability. They, along with supporters and advocacy groups, are determined to seek justice for the senseless loss of life that has left a lasting impact on their community.