NIA arrests key suspect absconding for thirteen years

National Investigation Agency (NIA) Wednesday apprehended the key and final absconding accused in the professor palm-chopping case in Kerala, marking the successful conclusion of its investigation into the heinous incident.
Savad, who had eluded authorities for the past 13 years and carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh for his arrest, was captured at Mattannur in Kerala’s Kannur after sustained efforts.
Savad was identified by the NIA as the primary accused in the infamous 2010 case involving the attempted murder of Professor TJ Joseph through the severing of his palm.
The anti-terror agency stated, “Savad was charge-sheeted on January 10, 2011, in the case, one of the earliest such incidents in India reflecting the ideology of violent extremism being pursued by the Popular Front of India (PFI).”
A total of 19 accused have been convicted for various sections under Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in this case. Among them, three received life sentences, and 10 others were sentenced to eight years of Rigorous Imprisonment along with fines.
According to NIA, all the accused were either leaders, activists, or members of the now-banned PFI and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). They actively participated in the criminal conspiracy related to the lethal attack on Professor T. J. Joseph at Muvattupuzha.
The assailants had mutilated the professor’s palm, alleging blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed in a Malayalam question paper for B.Com. students at Newman College, Thodupuzha, Idukki district.