Lathesh murder case: Seven RSS-BJP workers sentenced to life imprisonment

THALASSERY: Seven RSS-BJP workers were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 1.40 lakh by the Thalassery District Sessions Court (Court No. 4) in the murder of a CPM activist. The victim was K. Lathesh, a CPM Thiruvangad local committee member from Thalayil, who was hacked to death using sharp weapons.

The convicts are P. Sumith (Kuttan, 35), K.K. Prajeesh Babu (44), B. Nidhin (Nidhu, 34), K. Sanal (Ittu, 34), Smijosh (Thattikuttan, 39), Sajeesh (Jeeshu, 34), and V. Jayesh (36). The verdict was delivered by Judge J. Vimal.

Though the accused were sentenced to a total of 35 years under various sections, the court ordered that the sentences be served concurrently. Accused numbers 9 to 12- K. Santhosh Kumar (Jugnu, 51), B. Sharath (37), E.K. Saneesh (Saneesh Babu, 48), and BJP leader and former municipal councillor Ajesh Kunnumpurath (49) — were acquitted. The eighth accused, Ajith, died during the trial.

The murder took place at around 5.30 pm on December 31, 2008 at The murder took place at around 5.30 pm on December 31, 2008, at Chakyathmukku beach. According to the prosecution, the accused attacked Lathesh as a group with deadly weapons behind the Classic Marble shop and later hurled bombs to create panic in the area.

The case was registered by the Thalassery police based on a complaint filed by Lathesh’s brother, K. Santhosh. CPM activist Mohanlal (Lalu) and others - Santhosh, Suresh, and Majeed - were injured in the bomb attack. Of the 64 witnesses listed, 30 were examined during the trial. Special Public Prosecutors P.K. Varghese and K. Sathyan appeared for the prosecution.

Sumith attacked first
According to the charge sheet, the accused surrounded Lathesh and launched the attack. The first accused, Sumith, was the first to strike with a sword. Prajeesh then attacked Lathesh’s neck with an axe. After Lathesh fell face down, Ajith and Sijesh allegedly attacked him on the legs and body using swords and axes.