Abdul Shukkoor case put off to February 19

KANNUR: The Thalasserry district sessions court has deferred a decision on the CBI demand to shift the murder case of P. Abdul Shukkoor to Kochi. When the court took up the case on Thursday, the CBI argued for shifting the case to the special court in Kochi, but it was opposed by the accused party.

The court said that the demand would be considered on February 19. The acquittal petition of six accused from No. 28 to 33, including CPM district secretary P. Jayarajan and T.V. Rajesh MLA, too was deferred to Tuesday. Jayarajan is the 32nd accused and Rajesh 33rd. The sections of criminal conspiracy to murder (section IPC 120-B) have been slapped on both, which in effect meant attempt to murder. The victim's mother P.C. Atiqa had earlier demanded to shift the case to Kochi.

Mr K. Vishwan, lawyer of the accused, said that the CBI's frivolous demands cannot be considered. "We are not concerned about which court is hearing the case. But these are silly demands. Cases should be dealt with in court which are legally upholding," he said.

He alleged that the CBI has quizzed only one of the first two witnesses, which is a mystery. The CBI chargesheet didn't say that the six accused together had conspired to commit the crime, he said. MSF leader P. Abdul Shukkoor was murdered on February 20, 2012 allegedly by CPM workers.