Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday acquitted five accused who were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment by the Ernakulam Special Court of National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Panayikulam SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) camp case, 2006.
The five persons acquitted are Shaduly, alias Haris Abdul Karim of Erattupetta, Abdul Rasik of Erattupetta, Anzar Nadvi of Aluva, Nizamuddin of Panayikulam and Shammas of Erattupetta.
The case relates to a secret meeting of SIMI, a banned outfit, at Panayikulam in Aluva, Ernakulam on August 15, 2006. The Bench observed the prosecution had no case as to when and where the conspiracy took place.
In their argument, the prosecution said that the accused brought pamphlets containing anti-national, seditious and inflammatory content to whip up hatred and contempt against the Government of India. It was alleged two of the accused Rasik, Anzar advocated for the cession of Kashmir in their speeches through Jihad and for bringing back Muslim rule in India.
Shaduly and Rasik were sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, while the others for 12 years and convicted them under 124 (a) sedition and under the Unlawful activities (Preventions) Actm according to TwoCircles.
In their appeals, the accused contended there was no evidence to prove SIMI convened the meeting.
The bench comprising Justice A.M. Shaffique and Justice Ashok Menon has acquitted the 5 on 12th April, 2019 , Friday.
