Daijiworld Media Network - Kannur
Kannur, Jan 8: A Kerala court on Thursday delivered life sentences to seven RSS–BJP activists for the brutal 2008 murder of CPI-M worker K. Latheesh, closing one of the region’s most notorious cases of political violence. The Thalassery Additional District and Sessions Court also imposed fines of Rs 1.40 lakh on each convict, with cumulative sentences of 35 years under multiple legal provisions to run concurrently.
The convicted individuals are P. Sumith, K.K. Prajeesh Babu, B. Nidhin, K. Sanal, Rijosh, Sajeesh, and V. Jayesh. Of the original twelve accused, numbers nine to twelve were acquitted, while the eighth accused died during the trial.
Latheesh, 28, a CPI-M activist, CITU fishermen’s union leader, and Thiruvangad local committee member, was attacked on December 31, 2008, around 5:30 pm at Chakyathumukku beach in Thalassery. The assailants reportedly used bombs to create chaos before chasing and attacking him with swords and axes. Latheesh attempted to seek refuge in a friend’s home but was overtaken and fatally hacked.
The attack also left Latheesh’s friend, Mohanlal (alias Lalu), seriously injured, while three others—Santosh, Suresh, and Majeed—suffered injuries from the initial bomb blast.
According to the prosecution, the assailants had coordinated from different locations, arriving as a group to surround and attack Latheesh. P. Sumith allegedly struck the first blow with a sword, and K.K. Prajeesh Babu inflicted the fatal neck injury with an axe. Even after Latheesh collapsed, the attackers continued stabbing and hacking him before fleeing the scene, leaving behind additional bombs.
Of the 64 witnesses listed, 30 were examined during the trial. The case had been registered following a complaint by Latheesh’s brother, K. Santosh.
The verdict is being hailed as a significant judicial affirmation against politically motivated violence in northern Kerala.