In a significant verdict, a court in Kerala has acquitted all twenty individuals accused in the murder of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activist Nandu, a case that had remained unresolved for over thirteen years. The judgment was delivered by the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court, bringing a controversial closure to a long-standing legal and political saga.
The Long Road to the Verdict
The case dates back to December 2, 2011, when Nandu, a dedicated activist of the ABVP—the student wing linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—was fatally attacked. The incident occurred near his residence in the Sreekaryam area of Thiruvananthapuram. According to the prosecution, Nandu was assaulted by a group of individuals, leading to his death. The police investigation that followed resulted in charges against twenty people.
The trial witnessed numerous delays and procedural hurdles over more than a decade. Finally, the court, presided over by Principal Sessions Judge S. Manu, examined the evidence presented by the prosecution. The central pillar of the case was the testimony of a sole eyewitness. However, the court found critical inconsistencies and a lack of corroborative evidence to support the witness's account.
Court Cites Lack of Credible Evidence
In its detailed order, the court underscored that the prosecution failed to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge noted that the evidence was insufficient to conclusively prove the involvement of the twenty individuals in the crime. The acquittal underlines a fundamental legal principle: the burden of proof lies entirely with the prosecution, and any benefit of doubt must be accorded to the accused.
The verdict was met with mixed reactions. While the families of the acquitted individuals expressed relief, supporters of Nandu and the ABVP voiced deep disappointment and anguish. The ABVP has historically maintained that the murder was a politically motivated attack, and the acquittal has reignited debates about justice and the efficacy of the investigation in politically sensitive cases.
Reactions and Lasting Implications
The legal outcome concludes a chapter that has been a point of contention in Kerala's political landscape for thirteen years. The case had often been cited in discussions about political violence and the challenges in securing convictions in such incidents. The acquittal of all accused persons highlights the complexities involved when cases rely heavily on witness testimony that may not withstand judicial scrutiny over time.
This verdict is likely to have lasting implications, prompting questions about the initial investigation and the long journey of the case through the judicial system. For now, the court's decision stands, absolving the twenty individuals of the charges related to the murder of the ABVP activist, leaving a legacy of unanswered questions for the victim's family and associates.
