Kerala lecturer attack: Police file chargesheet against 27 accused

The Kerala police on Friday chargesheeted 27 accused in the brutal attack of Professor TJ Joseph, a college lecturer who was attacked for setting a question paper that was allegedly blasphemous.

The chargesheet was filed before the First Additional Sessions court in Ernakulam. About 54 were accused in the case but the police were only able to arrest 27 persons.

Media reported that Sawad, an activist of the Popular Front of India (PFI), a radical Muslim outfit, is the main accused in the case. He is one of the 27 absconding.

The accused in the chargesheet has been charged with attempt to murder, conspiracy and instigating communal riots.

Joseph was a professor at the New Man College in Thodupuzha, run by the Kothamangalam diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church.

On July 4, Muslim radicals chopped off Joseph's right hand for allegedly preparing a question paper that had references to Prophet Mohammed. He was attacked while returning from Church along with his mother and sister.

The attack evoked widespread protests from all political parties and religious organisations.

Regrettably, Joseph was in September last year removed from service by the management of the Christian-run college. He was removed on the grounds that he had hurt religious sentiments. The decision had triggered much public outcry.