CBI to challenge acquittal in constable death during Muthanga agitation

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has informed the Kerala High Court that it will challenge the acquittal of accused in a case related to the death of a police constable during the Muthanga land agitation in 2003. The Principal Sessions Court, Kalpetta, had acquitted several accused but convicted others for attempting to murder a senior civil police officer, kidnapping a forest range officer, and causing grievous injury.

The sessions court sentenced the convicted accused to five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 36,000. However, the court acquitted 35 of the 57 persons arrayed as accused. The second accused, Asokan, who was found guilty of the constable's murder, died before the trial concluded.

Justice A. Badharudeen has reserved orders on a plea by four accused, including social activist M. Geethanandan, challenging the sessions court judgment. The CBI's decision to appeal the acquittals was disclosed in court.