By TCN News,
Kochi: The National Investigation Agency filed FIR in the hand-chopping case before the NIA special court judge S Vijayakumar in Kochi yesterday. The NIA has retained the 54 persons, accused in the police case earlier. The FIR was filed after the NIA conducted primary investigation at the spot of attack and testimonies collected from the lecturer who was attacked.
The NIA reportedly accused in the FIR that the accused had threatened law and justice, as well as creating a terrorized atmosphere in the society by the act. Anti-national activities and foreign funding need to be investigated on. The NIA also reportedly handed over the list of 54 accused in the police case, along with the FIR. The main accused and 26 others are still absconding. The accused are reportedly charged with the UAPA, besides charges of conspiracy, attempt to murder, Arms Act, Explosives Act, etc.
The incident of hand-chopping took place on July 4, 2010 at Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam. Prof TJ Joseph, former lecturer of Malayalam at the Newman College, Thodupuzha, was attacked by a gang and his right palm chopped off. Prof Joseph had allegedly prepared a question with derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammed. The police had registered a case on the matter and arrested him. He was on bail when the attack took place.
The case was initially investigated by the state police, which accused 54 persons, with direct and indirect involvement in the attack. However, it could not catch hold of all the accused, most of who were known to be associated with the Popular Front of India. In fact, 27 including the main accused are absconding and there are reports that many had left the country. The police, however, submitted chargesheet against the 27 accused (25 of who are in custody) in January. The case was handed over to the NIA on March 9 by the central Home Department considering its graveness.