13 years after cutting off Prof TJ Joseph's hand, two accused continue to remain at large

KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has stepped up its efforts to nab two more absconding accused in connection with the chopping of hands of TJ Joseph, a former professor of Thodupuzha Newman College. As part of this, a reward of Rs 10 lakh was announced for those informing the whereabouts of Savad, the main accused. Among the 37 accused, Savad Meeran and Sajil Makkar have been absconding for 13 years. The police initially investigated the case and concluded that Savad, a native of Perumbavoor, entered the Middle East after the gruesome crime. The NIA has no clue about him as he maintains no contact with his family or former Popular Front of India (PFI) leaders. Savad was a local leader and trainer of PFI.

The grisly incident happened on the morning of June 7, 2010, when Prof TJ Joseph was attacked near Nirmala Public School, Muvattupuzha. While walking home from church on Sunday, a seven-member group of PFI cut off his palms. The attack was based on allegations that Newman College's graduation exam included a question that insulted the prophet.

Investigation timeline

• On April 4, 2011NIA took over the probe
• On January 10, 2011, the first charge sheet with 27 accused was filed in the NIA court in Kochi
• 18th January 2013, 1st supplementary charge sheet with 9 accused
• 2nd April, 2013, 2nd supplementary charge sheet with one accused
• 31 trials completed
• On 30th April 2015, 13 people were found guilty and 18 people were acquitted by the NIA court.
• Trial continues against 6 persons including absconders