Murder of Yuvamorcha leader Rajeev by Jihadi Terrorists – Justice prevailed after long 19 years

Thrissur: Justice has finally prevailed in the Rajeev murder case, with the four jihadists involved in the murder being sentenced to a term of double life imprisonment. One was sentenced to a single year’s lifer. Rajeev murder case was one that shook society being the forerunners of having initiated a spate of Islamic terror activities in Kerala.

Those awarded double lifer are first accused in the case Sageer (44), third accused Feroz (38), fifth accused and brother of first accused Shahjahan (40), sixth accused Shihab (38). A life sentence has been awarded to tenth accused Usman (47). All accused have been convicted of being party to hatching a conspiracy. With the exception of the tenth accused, all others have been found guilty of having a direct hand in the murder.

Those convicted have also been directed to pay a fine of rupees ten thousand as well, failing which an extra year will be added to their sentence.

The proceedings of the case was initiated 19 years back in Thrissur. The final verdict was pronounced by Justice KP Sudheer of Thrissur Fourth Additional District and Sessions Court.

Also, the fourth accused Basheer (40) had fled tothe gulf recently. However, the Court has found him guilty as well. The quantum of his punishment is yet to be pronounced.

Rajeev was murdered in cold blood by Jihadists on 29 December 1995 at midnight. A Yuva Morcha panchayat president, after falsely accusing him of being associated with a Muslim woman. The marauders hacked his body, which according to post mortem reports showed 55 wounds, along with the vital organs spewed outside. With local police having confirmed terror links, the case was handed over to Crime Branch. A special team was constituted to investigate four other murders in the state, which bore similarity to Rajeev murder case. CB investigations let to the chilling truth that Jam- Iyyathul Isani, an international Jihadist organization which is chiefly instrumental in spreading its terror network in Asian countries, is behind all four murders. The gang had also done away with Uday Kumar, the sole witness in the case.

The murder of Rajeev also brought to light a whole collection of Jihadi literature which was being circulated without any restraint. The articles and books justified terror activities, along with other observances of Islam. The same group is said to be behind the burning down of a few theatres, as according to them cinema was anti- Islamic. They are also said to have masqueraded as moral police and committed many gruesome murders, all under the guise of protecting women. A prominent local Muslim leader was allegedly supporting the activities of the terror group. Police are now on the look out for Syed Alvi, the master mind behind all four murders. Known by four names, Syed Alvi is part of a precise and well calculated network that leaves no proofs after the deed is committed.

The jihadist group is also said to have done their best in dissuading the investigation team, by enticing them in several ways. The verdict that came after 19 years serves as a stringent warning against any form of terrorism. The Court’s verdict comes after taken into consideration, the prosecution’s statement affirming the role of each of the accused in terror groups.

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