The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday filed a chargesheet against Shafeer C, a member of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), for allegedly harbouring the key accused in the 2010 Kerala professor hand chopping case. Shafeer has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A).
According to NIA investigations, Shafeer provided shelter, false identity documents, and employment to Savad, the prime assailant in the attack on Professor T.J. Joseph. Savad was chargesheeted in 2011 for his role in the case.
The case dates back to 2010 when Professor Joseph, then head of the Malayalam department at Newman College, Thodupuzha, was attacked by PFI members in Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam district. The assault was reportedly in retaliation for an exam question paper he set, which was perceived as blasphemous. The assailants severed Joseph’s right palm and hurled a bomb to create panic before fleeing.
So far, 19 individuals, all identified as PFI members, have been convicted in the case. The organisation was banned by the government on 28 September 2022, under anti-terror laws for alleged links to global terror groups, including ISIS.
In February 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in an interview that the PFI promoted radicalism and religious extremism and was attempting to create a breeding ground for terrorism. He asserted that the ban was essential for national security, citing evidence of activities harmful to the country’s unity and integrity.
The NIA continues its probe into the case, with authorities focusing on dismantling any remaining networks linked to the attack.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
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