KASARGOD: Three youngsters were arrested on Friday over the murder of a madrassa teacher Muhammed Riyas Moulavi in Old Choori late on Monday night. The accused, S. Ajesh (20), Nidhin (19) and Akhilesh (25), natives of Kelugude, were arrested by a special investigation team led by Kannur Crime Branch Sp A. Srinivas. Three of them were produced before Kasargod First Class Judicial Magistrate and remanded for 14 days. The trio was charged with IPC 302 (murder), 153 A (promoting enimity between different groups), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
Police did not establish any political rivalry or conspiracy behind the murder and said that it was in retaliation to earlier fights between the gangs of two separate communities and the act was committed in a fit of rage According to police, the three had a fight with another gang in a hotel on March 17 and they tried to retaliate two days later. However, in the second incident also, they failed and Nidhin lost two of his teeth when he was hit by a stone. On Monday night, the three of them, thick friends, consumed alcohol, and decided to retaliate.
Police says, “Anyone who came in their way would have been subjected to their madness that night.” Ajesh walked into the building where the Moulavi slept and Nidhin and Akhilesh followed him on a bike. Ajesh allegedly attacked the Moulavi and when a neighbour from the next room came out, hearing the cries, Nidhin attacked him with a stone. The accused reportedly admitted to the crime during interrogation. Police recovered the vehicle and weapon used in the murder. Though the three were earlier involved in some clashes, this is their first registered crime.
