First Accused in Prof T J Joseph Palm Chopping Case Arrested After 13 Years by NIA
In a significant breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Mudasseri Savad, the first accused in the shocking case of palm-chopping involving Professor T J Joseph. The incident, which occurred 13 years ago, sent shockwaves through the nation as Prof. Joseph faced brutal repercussions for alleged derogatory religious remarks in a BCom exam question paper he had set at Thodupuzha Newman College. Savad, an activist affiliated with the Popular Front, had been evading arrest since the crime unfolded. Despite intense efforts by the Kerala Police and a reward of Rs 10 lakh announced by the NIA for information leading to his arrest, Savad remained elusive. The recent arrest marks a significant stride in solving the case that had deeply impacted Kerala’s educational and communal landscape.
The palm-chopping incident took place on July 6, 2010, and the subsequent investigation by the Kerala Police initially revealed that Savad had fled to Bengaluru from Aluva on the very day Prof. Joseph’s hand was severed. The NIA took charge of the case in March 2011, and over the years, there were reports suggesting that Savad might have fled to Syria. Despite these challenges, the NIA’s relentless pursuit and recent success in taking Savad into custody underscore the agency’s commitment to justice. The case had resulted in the sentencing of six accused last year, with Savad being the first accused and a prominent fugitive finally facing arrest after over a decade on the run.
