'Birth Certificate' helps NIA nab key accused in Kerala hand-chopping case

Kochi: A birth certificate proved to be the most tangible proof in assisting the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in tracking down the person wanted for the past 13 years in connection with the 2010 hand-chopping case in Thodupuzha. 

Savad, the prime accused in the incident in which Newman College Professor T.J. Joseph's hand was severed, was apprehended by NIA officials from Kannur's Mattanur on Wednesday. 

During his time in Kannur, Savad used the alias Shajahan to avoid getting caught. Despite expanding the investigation to include overseas countries, neither the local police nor NIA officers succeeded in locating him. According to reports, he devised a meticulous plan to remain under the radar. 

A few years ago, he married a Kasaragod native and had two daughters in this relationship. Even though he was careful not to reveal his identity to his neighbours or friends, he used his real name on the birth certificate of his younger daughter. His Aadhaar card and Election ID card, which were later seized from his residence, both retained his original name. 

Following the Centre's ban on Popular Front of India (PFI), NIA received information that Savad had reached Kannur looking for a job. A few days back, NIA received information about a person suspected to be Savad. However, the name 'Shajahan' confused NIA officials. 

After learning that 'Shajahan' has a daughter, NIA officials collected the child's birth certificate information from government records. Surprisingly, the certificate mentioned Savad's name instead of that of Shajahan. After receiving the confirmation, NIA moved to Savad's residence in the Beram ward under the Mattannur municipality. 

Initially, Savad refused to confess that he was the person NIA and Kerala Police had been looking for the past 13 years. However, there was an injury mark on his body during the attack on Professor Joseph, which helped NIA personnel verify that they had found the right individual. Later, his arrest was recorded, and he was taken to Kochi for further questioning.