Thrissur City, Kerala: In a significant verdict, the First Additional Sessions Court has sentenced six individuals to double life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹13 lakh in connection with the brutal murder of CITU worker Nachu alias Shamir in October 2021.
The convicted individuals — Shahjahan, Shabir Amalswalih, Shihas, Nawaz, and Zainuddin, all residents of Kalathode — were found guilty of hacking Nachu to death in front of the Kalathode Muslim Mosque.
The case stood out due to the serious threats made to witnesses, prompting it to be categorized under the Witness Protection Scheme. The Kerala High Court had also prohibited the accused from entering Thrissur district, except for attending court proceedings.
The investigation was led by Inspector M. Sasidharan Pillai of Mannuthi Police Station, who registered the FIR and filed the chargesheet. The trial saw the examination of 69 witnesses, submission of 21 material objects, and 207 documentary pieces of evidence. Scientific evidence, including CCTV footage, fingerprints, and DNA analysis, played a crucial role in securing the convictions.
Due to the sustained threats — including anonymous calls from across Kerala — special police protection was provided to the key witnesses throughout the trial.
The prosecution team was led by District Public Prosecutor Adv. K.B. Sunilkumar and Special Public Prosecutor Adv. Liji Madhu, assisted by Julie K.D. and Manikandan K.
