CBI to challenge acquittal of accused in death of constable during Muthanga agitation in Keralam

A file photo of the clash between tribespeople and the police at Muthanga in February 2003. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has informed the Kerala High Court that it would be challenging the acquittal of the accused in the case pertaining to the death of a constable during the Muthanga land agitation of 2003, by the Principal Sessions Court Kalpetta.However, sessions court had sentenced the accused to a rigorous imprisonment of five years and a fine of ₹36,000, after finding them guilty of attempting to murder senior civil police officer Abdul Salam, kidnapping Forest Range Officer P.K. Sasidharan, causing grievous injury with weapons, and offences against public tranquillity.Justice A. Badharudeen reserved orders on the plea by the four accused, including social activist M. Geethanandan, in the case challenging the judgment passed by the sessions court.The second accused, Asokan, had been found guilty of the police constable’s murder. However, he had passed away before the trial’s conclusion. A total of 57 persons were arrayed as accused in the case, of which 35 were acquitted. Published - August 17, 2026 07:40 pm IST