Decades-Old Murder Case Finally Sees Conviction
In a landmark verdict that closes a chapter on a crime that remained unresolved for over two decades, the Manjeri Additional Sessions Court on Friday convicted Malangadan Shafeek, the 56-year-old nephew of former Nilambur MLA P V Anvar, for the brutal murder of MYL worker and auto driver Manaf.
The tragic incident dates back to April 13, 1995, when Manaf was killed at Othayi near Edavanna. The case had remained cold for years as the prime suspects evaded justice by fleeing the country immediately after committing the crime.
The Long Road to Justice
Additional Sessions Judge A V Tellas found Shafeek guilty under IPC Section 302 (murder) after examining extensive evidence and witness testimonies. The court has scheduled the sentencing announcement for Saturday, determining the punishment for the convicted.
While Shafeek faced conviction, the court delivered a different verdict for three other accused individuals. Sherif (54), Shafeek's brother, Nilambur Muneeb (52) of Janathappadi near Kottappuram, and Elamaram Mapram Payyanatthodika Kabir (52), also known as Jabir, were all acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking them directly to the murder.
25 Years in Hiding Abroad
The case took extraordinary twists and turns over the years as all four accused managed to escape India shortly after the murder and remained abroad for 25 years, effectively avoiding arrest and trial. This prolonged absence significantly complicated the legal proceedings and delayed justice for the victim's family.
In a significant breakthrough, police finally apprehended Shafeek in 2000, exactly 25 years after the murder of Manaf. The arrest came when Shafeek arrived at Karipur airport aboard a repatriation flight from the United Arab Emirates. His capture marked a turning point in the long-dormant case.
The legal pressure had intensified in July 2018 when the court issued a lookout circular against Shafeek following a petition filed by Manaf's family members. They had provided crucial information that the accused was living in the Gulf region and deliberately evading arrest.
Complex Legal Battle with Multiple Accused
The case originally involved 26 accused individuals, making it one of the more complex murder trials in the region's recent history. In 2009, the trial court had acquitted 21 of these accused, including former Nilambur MLA P V Anvar, citing lack of concrete evidence connecting them to the crime.
The prosecution received significant legal support from former CBI senior special prosecutor V N Anilkumar, who appeared as the special prosecutor in this high-profile case. His expertise helped navigate the complexities of a trial involving events that occurred decades earlier.
While the other absconding accused had previously surrendered in court, Shafeek's decision to remain abroad until his eventual capture at the airport extended the legal battle and the wait for justice for Manaf's family.
The upcoming sentencing on Saturday will finally bring closure to a case that has stretched across generations, demonstrating the persistence of India's judicial system in pursuing justice regardless of the time elapsed since the crime was committed.
