Kochi: Police Friday filed chargesheet
against 27 accused in the brutal attack on Prof TJ Joseph, a
private college lecturer in Kerala, whose right hand had been
chopped off allegedly by activists of the radical outfit
Popular Front of India (PFI) on July 4 last year.
The chargesheet was filed before the First Additional
Sessions court, Ernakulam, V Shircy.
There are totally 54 accused in the case and the remaining
27 accused are all absconding.
Cases have been registered against the accused for offences
against the Nation, and under various sects of IPC including
120, 143, 148 (riot, unlawful assembly, 120(B) (criminal
conspiracy) 323 (hurt) and 307 (attempt to murder), Sect 3 of
Explosive Substance Act and various sections of Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act.
The court had earlier ordered a nonbailable warrant
against the 27 accused who are yet to be arrested.
Prof Joseph, Malayalam Head of the Department of the
Private Newman College in Thodupuzha was attacked on July 4
when he was returning along with his family members after a
Sunday mass at a church near his home in Muvattupuzha in
Ernakulam district.
The hand had been cut off at the wrist on allegations of
blasphemy by Muslim radicals belonging to PFI for preparing a
question paper for B.com semester students which reportedly
had some references to Prophet Mohammed.
Prof Joseph`s hand was sutured back and he is recovering
from the injuries. The college authorities have terminated
his services.
The case has been posted to Jan 18.
PTI
