Hand chopping case: Charge sheet filed against 27 accused

The accused,two of whom are absconding,have also been charged under various provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for their attack on Prof T J Joseph,which had triggered a national outrage.

The PFI activists are facing charges under IPC Sections 201 (causing disappearance of evidence),202 (intentional omission to give information of offence),212 (harbouring offender),307 (attempt to murder),143 (unlawful assembly),148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon),120(B) (Criminal conspiracy) and 323 (causing hurt).

The charge sheet was filed before the First Additional Sessions court,Ernakulam,V Shircy. The court had earlier issued Non-Bailable Warrant against 27 accused,who are yet to be arrested.

Of the total 54 accused in the case,the remaining 27 accused are absconding.

Joseph,Malayalam Head of the Department of the Private Newman college in Thodupuzha was attacked on July 4 when he was returning with his family members after a Sunday mass at a church near his home in Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district.

PFI Muslim radicals had accused Joseph of preparing a question paper for B.com semester students which reportedly had some references to Prophet Mohammed,considered blasphemous by them.

Joseph’s hand was sutured back and he is still recovering from the injuries. The college authorities have terminated his services.

The case has been posted to Jan 18.