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Kerala HC Upholds Justice in Madhu Case
25 May
Summary
- 12 individuals received life sentences in the Attappadi Madhu mob lynching case.
- The Kerala High Court enhanced sentences previously given by a special court.
- One accused was acquitted, while two others had their acquittals upheld.
In a significant development concerning the 2018 Attappadi Madhu mob lynching case, the Kerala High Court on Monday enhanced the sentences for 12 of the accused. Modifying the verdict of the SC/ST Special Court in Mannarkkad, Palakkad, the High Court has imposed three life sentences and a fine of Rs 3 lakh on each of these 12 individuals.
However, the High Court acquitted Hussain of Pakkulam, the first accused, completely. The acquittals of two other individuals, Aneesh and Abdul Kareem, by the trial court were also confirmed. The court noted that witness statements implicating Hussain in stamping on Madhu were unreliable regarding their presence at the critical time.
The bench reinstated and retained offenses under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, against the 12 accused, thereby stiffening the trial court's sentences. Muneer, the 16th accused, was found guilty under Section 3(2)(va) of the Act and sentenced to one year's imprisonment. All sentences are to run concurrently, with credit for time already served.
The appeals were filed by the state government and Malli, Madhu's mother, challenging the trial court's initial verdict, alongside appeals from the convicts. Madhu, a tribal youth with a mental disability, was allegedly killed by a mob on February 22, 2018, after being accused of theft.
