Three acquitted in Maulavi murder case

Among the reasons cited by the court, it noted the prosecution’s inability to prove allegations of the accused being associated with fanatic groups or having Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh affiliations. Additionally, the court found insufficient evidence to support claims that hatred against the Muslim community motivated the murder. Further the court also mentioned the failure of the investigating officer in conducting a DNA test on the green dhothi, Tshirt, and knife with blood samples of the first accused to ascertain that this materials were used by him.

Despite efforts to prosecute the suspects, the court deemed the evidence presented insufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The incident

The incident occurred on March 20, 2017, when Riyas was murdered by having his throat slit at his residence in the mosque. The accused were apprehended within three days of the incident and have remained in custody since then.

Led by former Kannur Crime Branch SP Srinivasan, a special team conducted a thorough investigation, culminating in the submission of a comprehensive chargesheet. The trial saw the examination of 97 witnesses and the submission of 215 documents, including 45 crucial pieces of evidence.

However, the court’s acquittal decision stirred controversy and disappointment among the victim’s relatives and legal representatives. Advocate T. Shajith, special prosecutor, expressed dismay and said there was substantial DNA evidence against the primary accused.

Damning evidence

Mr. Shajith highlighted damning evidence, including DNA traces on the accused’s body matching the victim’s blood, fibre particles linking the murder weapon to the first accused, and tower location data. Despite presenting over 100 pieces of circumstantial evidence, the court’s ruling perplexed the prosecution.

Relatives of Riyas expressed disappointment and grief over the verdict. His wife Saida broke down after hearing the verdict. Abdur Rahman, brother of the victim, echoed sentiments of shock and sadness at the verdict.

“In this case, the courts did not even grant bail to the accused for the past seven years. The accused were not connected with Riyas in any manner. Even the police chargesheet clearly mentions that the crime was an attempt to create communal unrest in the region,” the relatives told reporters.