Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Seven RSS-BJP activists sentenced for 2008 CPM leader's murder
Seven men who were part of the RSS-BJP group were sentenced to life in prison for killing a local leader of the CPM party in Kerala.
The murder happened in 2008, and the trial started in 2020.
The men were found guilty of many serious crimes, including murder and conspiracy.
The court heard from many witnesses and looked at lots of evidence before making their decision.
The victim, Latheesh, was attacked and killed, and his friend was hurt too.
The men were part of a political rivalry, which led to the violent act.
Four other men were acquitted because the court found there wasn't enough evidence against them.
Seven RSS-BJP activists were sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2008 murder of CPM local leader Latheesh.
The murder occurred on December 31, 2008, at Thalayi near Thalassery, Kerala, as part of political rivalry.
The accused were charged under multiple IPC sections, including murder, conspiracy, and violations of the Explosive Substances Act.
The trial began on January 7, 2020, and examined 30 prosecution witnesses, 90 documents, and 27 material objects.
Four accused were acquitted, and one died during the trial.
- Who
- Seven RSS-BJP activists: Sumith alias Kuttan, K.K. Prajesh Babu, B. Nidhin, K. Sanal, Smijosh, Sajeesh, and V. Jayesh
- What
- Murder of CPM local leader Latheesh
- When
- December 31, 2008 (murder), January 7, 2020 (trial began), recent (sentencing)
- Where
- Thalayi near Thalassery, Kerala
- Why
- Political rivalry
Prosecution
Defense
Evidence
Prosecution
Prosecution presented 30 witnesses, 90 documents, and 27 material objects to prove the guilt of the accused.
Defense
Defense argued that there was lack of evidence against four of the accused, leading to their acquittal.
- Victim
- Latheesh (CPM local leader)
- Date of Murder
- December 31, 2008
- Location
- Thalayi near Thalassery, Kerala
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment
- Number of Convicts
- 7
- Number of Acquitted
- 4
- Charges
- Rioting, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder, and Explosive Substances Act violations
- Trial Duration
- Began on January 7, 2020
- Witnesses
- 30 prosecution witnesses
