KANNUR
Eight Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] activists have been acquitted in the murder case of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activist Kandian Shiju, 24, of Tholambra in Malur.
The victim was hacked to death on March 4, 2009, allegedly by the CPIM activists.
The First Additional District Sessions Judge A.V. Mridula found all the accused not guilty of the crime and acquitted them in the case.
Those acquitted were Nelleri Aneesh (49), K. Pankajakshan (41), Alakadan Biju (40), Mani Vijesh (34), Sudhakaran (52), Dhanesh (35), Mukesh (35), and Karayi Babu (42), all CPI(M) activists from Anilalayam in Tholambra. Based on the complaint lodged by Chathoth Pavithran, the police had initially registered the first information report in the case.
Senior advocate B. Raman Pillai and N.R. Shanvas appeared for the accused. Mr. Shanvas said that the court acquitted them for the lack of evidence and after finding that the witnesses produced were untrustworthy.
