The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a major breakthrough in the infamous Kerala professor palm chopping case by arresting the key and last absconding accused, Savad. Savad had been on the run for the past 13 years and was carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh for his arrest. The arrest took place in Mattannur, Kannur (Kerala) following sustained efforts by the NIA.
Savad was identified as the main accused in the 2010 case involving the attempted murder of Professor TJ Joseph, who had his palm chopped off. The NIA stated that Savad was charge-sheeted on January 10, 2011, and the incident was reflective of the violent extremism pursued by the Popular Front of India (PFI).
In the case so far, a total of 19 accused have been convicted for various offenses under the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Among them, three have been given life sentences, while 10 others have been sentenced to eight years of rigorous imprisonment and fines. All the accused were either leaders, activists, or cadres of the now-banned PFI and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).
The attack on Professor T. J. Joseph occurred in 2010 when his palm was chopped off by assailants. The attack was a consequence of the professor allegedly ridiculing Prophet Mohammed in a Malayalam question paper. The incident took place in Newman College, Thodupuzha, Idukki district, and the attackers targeted the professor in broad daylight in front of his family members.
The assailants also launched a bomb during the attack, aiming to spread terror among the public. This heinous act exposed the PFI’s violent intent and their mission to terrorize people and society, specifically targeting critics of Islam and prominent individuals of other religions.
The case was originally registered on July 4, 2010, at Muvattupuzha Police Station in Ernakulam district. The NIA took over the case and has been diligently investigating it since then. The agency has been systematically targeting the PFI in various cases across the country, revealing a wider conspiracy to overthrow India’s democratically elected government and establish an Islamic State by 2047.
The arrest of Savad marks a significant milestone in the investigation into the professor palm chopping case. The NIA’s relentless efforts have finally brought the last remaining absconding accused to justice, providing closure to the victim and his family. The successful culmination of the investigation serves as a reminder of the NIA’s commitment to combatting violent extremism and maintaining India’s national security.
