Nine RSS workers sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal 2005 murder of CPI(M) worker Rijith Sankaran highlight the long-standing political violence in Kerala’s Kannur district. The Thalassery Additional District Sessions Court, on January 4, found the accused guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), and 143 (unlawful assembly).
The incident occurred on October 3, 2005, when Rijith, a 25-year-old Communist Party of India (Marxist) member from Kannapuram Chunda, was ambushed while walking home with friends near a temple in Chunda. A group of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers, armed with weapons, attacked them near a well. Rijith succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while three of his friends sustained severe injuries during the assault.
Political Clashes In Kannur’s Troubled History
Kannur, known for its politically charged atmosphere, has been a battleground for decades, with frequent clashes between RSS and CPI(M) supporters. These confrontations often stem from ideological rivalries and territorial dominance. The district has witnessed numerous violent incidents, with cases of targeted attacks, retaliatory killings, and prolonged legal battles. This case, now resolved after 19 years, serves as a stark reminder of the volatile political environment in the region.
Details Of The Verdict
Out of the ten individuals initially accused, one died in a road accident during the prolonged trial. The remaining nine convicted include Sudhakaran (57), Jayesh (41), Ranjith (44), Ajeendran (51), Anilkumar (52), Rajesh (46), Sreekanth (47), his brother Sreejith (43), and Bhaskaran (67). The court found them guilty under sections of the Indian Penal Code addressing murder, attempted murder, rioting, unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, and voluntarily causing hurt with weapons.
The sentencing brings a sense of closure to the family of Rijith Sankaran and underscores the legal system’s role in addressing politically motivated crimes. It also reignites discussions about the deep-seated rivalries in Kannur and the urgent need for measures to reduce political violence. This judgment stands as a significant milestone in a region often overshadowed by its tumultuous political history.