Kochi hand chopping case: Police file charge sheet against 27 accused

The police today filed the charge sheet against 27 accused in the brutal attack on Prof TJ Joseph, a private college lecturer in Kerala, whose right hand had been chopped off allegedly by activists of the radical outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) on July 4 last year.

The charge sheet was filed before the first additional sessions court, Ernakulam, V Shircy.

There are totally 54 accused in the case and the reamioning 27 accused are all abscounding.

Cases have been registered against the accused for offences against the Nation, and under various sects of IPC including 120, 143, 148 (riot, unlawful assemnly, 120(B) (Criminal conspiracy) 323 (Hurt) and 307 (attempt to murder), Sect 3 of Explosive substance act and various sections of unlawful activities (Prevention) Act.

The court had earlier ordered a non bailable warrant against the 27 accused who are yet to be arrested.

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

The hand had been cut off at the wrist on allegations of blasphemy by muslim radicals belonging to PFI for preparing a question paper for B Com semister students which reportedly had some references to Prophet Mohammed.

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

The case has been posted to January 18.