Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, Mar 30: The district principal sessions court acquitted all three accused of murdering Mohammed Riaz Maulavi (27), a Madrasa teacher based in Medikeri, Hale Soorlu, on the outskirts of the city, on Saturday, March 30.
The first accused, Ayyappa Nagar resident Ajesh (27), the second accused, Kelugadde resident Nithin Kumar (26), and the third accused, Kelugadde Gangai Nagar resident Akhilesh (32), were acquitted of the crime.
The murder occurred late at night on March 20, 2017, when assailants entered the victim's house and fatally slashed his throat with deadly weapons.
The three accused
Mohammed Riaz Maulavi
The investigating team apprehended the accused within three days of the incident. Led by Kannur crime branch SP Dr A Srinivas, the police team conducted thorough investigations and submitted the charge sheet to the court in June 2017. The charge sheet included several charges such as murder, religious unrest, trespassing, gathering in groups, and attempts to cover the crime. The prosecution presented 100 witnesses, including onlookers, and submitted 50 items and 45 documents along with forensic and DNA reports.
Family members, including the victim's wife, Saida, and relatives, attended the court proceedings to hear the verdict, which had been adjourned multiple times. The court session commenced at 11 am, and district principal court Judge K K Balakrishnan pronounced the verdict, acquitting all three accused.
Saida and other family members were devastated by the verdict, with Saida expressing disbelief and questioning where justice was served. Abdul Rehman, the victim's brother, expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict and announced plans to file a review petition in the high court.