Kannur: The Additional Sessions Court in Thalassery found nine RSS-BJP activists guilty in the 20-year-old case of stabbing and murder of DYFI activist Rijith in Kannapuram in Kannur. The incident occurred on October 3, 2005, following a dispute over opening of a branch at a nearby temple.  

The court is scheduled to pronounce the sentence on Tuesday.

While addressing the media, Special Prosecutor B P Saseendran stated, "Additional District Court III Judge Ruby K  Jose found all 10 accused guilty of the crime. The final verdict will be announced on January 7. Additionally, IPC Sections 143 and 148 have been imposed on five individuals for using dangerous weapons to attack the victim."

Case details 

The case involved a total of 10 accused. The accused are RSS-BJP activists Highway Anil, Puthiyapurayil Ajeendran, Thekkeveetil Bhaskaran, Sreejith, Srikanth, Rajesh, Ajesh, Jayesh and Ranjith. However, one of the accused, Ajeesh (3rd accused), passed away  in a car accident during the trial proceedings. The court declared the remaining nine guilty of murder. Throughout the trial, the court examined 28 witnesses and considered 59 documents along with 50 pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution.

The incident

On the night of October 3, 2005, at around 9 pm, Rijith was walking with his friends when he was attacked by RSS-BJP workers. According to reports, all the 10 accused were hiding behind a well, ready to attack Rijith and his friends. 

The assault was reportedly triggered by a dispute over the opening of a branch at a nearby temple. Rijith, who sustained severe injuries, succumbed on the spot. His friends Nikesh, Vikas, and Vimal, who were with him at the time, also suffered injuries in the attack.