9 BJP-RSS workers get lifer for killing CPI(M) worker in Kannur jail

Kannur: A court here Friday sentenced nine BJP-RSS workers to life imprisonment in connection with the killing of a CPI(M) worker inside the Kannur central jail in 2004.

Additional District Sessions Court Judge P N Vinod, who pronounced the judgment, also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on the accused.

CPI(M) worker K P Raveendran, 47, who was serving life imprisonment, suffered serious injuries in an attack between two group of prisoners inside the jail premises on April 6, 2004.

Raveendran, hailing from Nadapuram in Vadakara, was rushed to the Pariyaram Medical College where he succumbed to injuries.

There were 31 accused in the case and the clash was over installation of fans in some blocks.

The court found the nine accused guilty and acquitted the remaining.

The witnesses in the case were jail officials and other prisoners.

The incident was said to be the first such case inside a prison. The trial in the case began after 14 years.