Father-in-Law of Palm-Chopping Case Accused Claims Family Learned of His Involvement Through News Reports

The father-in-law of Savad, the prime suspect in the 2010 palm-chopping case involving a college professor in Kerala, asserted that his family learned about Savad’s involvement through news reports. Savad, associated with the Popular Front of India, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday in connection with the brutal attack on Professor T J Joseph.

Recounting his initial encounter with Savad at a shrine in Ullal, Karnataka, the father-in-law stated that Savad introduced himself as Shajahan from a humble family in Kannur district, Kerala. He emphasized that Savad, who later married one of his daughters in 2016, did not seek any dowry. During the marriage, Savad identified himself as Shajahan, a name he also provided to local mosque authorities.

After the wedding, Savad spent a month at the father-in-law’s house before moving into a rented accommodation in Kannur district. Described as leading a transient lifestyle, Savad, posing as a carpenter named Shajahan, kept a discreet profile, avoiding close interactions with neighbors. He had two children and resided in a rented house in Mattannur, Kannur district, for over a year.

Savad had been on the run for the past 13 years, carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh. The NIA revealed that he was involved in severing the palm of Professor T J Joseph, allegedly in response to the professor ridiculing Prophet Mohammed in a Malayalam question paper.

The barbaric attack occurred on July 4, 2010, when Professor Joseph was returning from church. Nineteen accused, associated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), have been convicted in the case. The attackers, convicted for various offenses under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, had carried out the assault in the presence of the professor’s family members. Three were convicted for life, and 10 others were sentenced to eight years imprisonment.