Kerala HC rejects bail plea of 7 PFI activists in lecturer attack case

KOCHI - The Kerala High Court dismissed the bail applications of seven Popular Front of India (PFI) activists, who had been arrested for the brutal attack on a college lecturer for preparing a question paper with alleged derogatory reference to Prophet Mohammad.

The seven accused are Siyad, Sikander, Kamarudeen, Abdul Lateef, Moideen Kutty, Shiyas and Mohammed Ali.

High Court Judge V Ramkumar said on Wednesday that if the objective of the activity was to disturb harmony and tranquility of the society and create fear, it would be held to be a terror activity.

He described the attack as an open challenge to society.

Professor Joseph, head of the department of Malayalam in the Newman College, a Christian institution, in Thodupuzha was attacked and his right hand chopped off on July 4. (ANI)