Court convicts Janmeentavida Biju in Vinayan murder case

A Thalassery court has found Biju guilty over the activist’s 2009 killing. Sentencing is scheduled for October 12, while seven other defendants have been acquitted.

The Third Additional District and Sessions Court found Janmeentavida Biju, 45, of Chambad, guilty, The Hindu reported on October 9. Biju was identified as a CPI(M) worker, while the victim, Vinayan, was an activist with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, or BMS.

Vinayan, 36, the son of Raghavan of Vadakkachalil, was fatally attacked at Kurichikkara in Champad at approximately 8 p.m. on March 12, 2009. The attack was allegedly carried out by CPI(M) workers.

The seriously injured Vinayan was lying beside the road when Panoor police officer Dinesh Koroth happened to pass. Koroth took him to a hospital in Thalassery.

Judge Ruby K Jose heard the case. The court acquitted T. Shaji, also known as Chetti Shaji, T.K. Rajeesh, P.M. Arun Kumar, T. Ranil, J. Bigesh, Ashkar and Rajendranath.

K. Rupesh appeared for the prosecution. C.K. Sreedharan and Vinod Kumar Champalan represented the defendants. Biju’s conviction has been announced, but the punishment will be decided separately on Monday, October 12.