A court in Kannur has convicted two CPI(M) workers, including a candidate contesting the upcoming local body election, in connection with a crude bomb attack on police personnel. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Judge Prasanth K N of the Thaliparamba Additional District and Sessions Court. The accused, Nishad V K and Nandakumar T C V, were found guilty in a case dating back to August 2012, when a crude bomb was hurled at police officers in Payyannur following the arrest of CPI(M) leader P Jayarajan. The court held both Nishad and Nandakumar responsible under several charges. They were convicted under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for attempted murder, as well as Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, which pertain to attempting to cause an explosion and the making or possessing of explosives. However, the court acquitted them of the charges under Section 353 of the IPC, which deals with assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from duty. In addition to the two convicted individuals, two other accused persons, Midhun A and Kripesh K V, were acquitted by the court. Nishad V K, one of the convicted, is a candidate for the local body election from the Payyannur Municipality, making the case politically sensitive given the proximity to the elections. Following the verdict, both Nishad and Nandakumar were immediately taken into custody and shifted to jail while awaiting sentencing, which the court has scheduled to announce on Tuesday. The incident itself took place over a decade ago when tensions ran high after the arrest of P Jayarajan, a prominent CPI(M) leader. The bomb attack targeted police officers, but the exact motivations and broader political implications were tied to the unrest following Jayarajan’s detention. The legal proceedings have drawn attention due to the involvement of active political figures and the severity of the charges, notably the attempt to commit murder and possession of explosives. This case has also reopened discussions on political violence in the region, reflecting longstanding conflicts and the intertwining of political rivalry with law enforcement actions. The court’s decision emphasizes the judiciary’s stance on such violent acts, aiming to deter similar offenses in the future. The acquittal of the two other accused highlights the court’s differentiation between varying degrees of involvement, underscoring the importance of evidence in criminal convictions. As the sentencing date approaches, the political community and public await the judicial outcome, which may influence the electoral dynamics in Payyannur. The verdict also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing political unrest and the continuing impact of incidents that occurred years prior but have lasting repercussions on local governance and public order.
