A court in Kerala's Kannur district has delivered a significant verdict in a long-pending political murder case, sentencing seven workers affiliated with the BJP and RSS to life imprisonment. The Thalassery Additional Sessions Court found them guilty of the brutal killing of Communist Party of India (Marxist) local leader K Latheesh, which took place over 15 years ago.
The Court's Verdict and Sentences
On Thursday, the Thalassery Additional Sessions Court (IV) Judge, J Vimal, pronounced the judgment. The court found all seven accused guilty of murder and awarded them rigorous imprisonment for life, which translates to 35 years in prison. The sentences are to run concurrently. In addition, each convict has been slapped with a fine of Rs 1.4 lakh.
The court directed that from the collected fines, Rs 5 lakh be given as compensation to Latheesh's mother, Mayyazhikarantavida Rohini, and Rs 75,000 to Suresh, who was injured during the same attack. The convicted individuals are P Sumith (38), K K Prageesh Babu (46), B Nidhin (37), K Sanal (37), Smijan (42), Sajeesh (37), and V Jayesh (39).
Four other accused—K Santhoshkumar, B Sharath, E K Sanish, and BJP leader and former municipal councillor Ajesh of Kunnumpurath—were acquitted due to lack of evidence. An eighth accused, K Ajith of Thalayi, died during the lengthy trial.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The murder dates back to December 31, 2008. The victim, K Latheesh, was a member of the CPM's Thiruvangad local committee and also served as the area joint secretary for a fisher workers' union affiliated with CITU. The attack occurred at Chakyathmukku beach in Thalayi, Kannur.
According to the case details, a group of assailants armed with swords, axes, and machetes surrounded Latheesh. Seeing them approach, Latheesh attempted to flee by jumping over a seawall. However, the second accused, Prajeesh Babu, struck him on the neck with an axe. After Latheesh fell into the water, the other accused continued the assault, hacking him to death.
As local people, including fisherfolk, rushed to the spot upon hearing the commotion, the accused hurled bombs to create panic and facilitate their escape. Latheesh sustained a total of 25 injuries across his body. The severity of these wounds led to his death while he was being transported to the hospital.
Conclusion and Aftermath
This verdict brings a measure of closure to a case that has been a stark example of the political violence that has historically plagued the Kannur region. The sentencing of the seven individuals to life imprisonment underscores the judiciary's stance on such crimes. The compensation ordered for the victim's family and the injured party is a small but significant acknowledgment of their loss and suffering. The acquittal of four others highlights the critical role of evidence in the judicial process, while the case itself remains a somber reminder of the deadly consequences of political enmity.
