Six SDPI activists sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment in Sirsi twin cases

Uttara Kannada: In a significant verdict, the 1st Additional District and Sessions Court in Sirsi has sentenced six SDPI activists to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with a 2019 case involving the attempted murder of a BJP leader and the killing of an SDPI worker.

The incident dates back to April 23, 2019, when a violent clash erupted at Karigundi Road in Kasturba Nagar, Sirsi. A group of assailants allegedly hatched a conspiracy to murder Anish Tahsildar, the then president of the BJP Minority Morcha in the region.

The attackers launched a brutal assault on him, leaving him seriously injured. However, he managed to survive the attack. During the same incident, SDPI activist Aslam Syed Babajan was killed amid the confrontation.

The dual incidents created widespread tension in the area at the time. Following the violence, two separate cases—one for murder and another for attempt to murder—were registered at the Sirsi New Market Police Station.

After conducting a detailed trial and examining multiple witnesses and evidence, Judge Kiran Kini pronounced the verdict, holding six accused guilty. The convicted individuals are identified as Mohammed Farooq (32), Mohammed Saleem (36), Sarfaraz Patel (35), Mohammed Arif (34), Nisar Ahmed Sheikh (29), and Mohsin Abdul Shukoor (39).

The court sentenced each of them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and also imposed a fine of Rs 18,000 on each accused. The judgment noted that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Along with the prison term, the court ordered compensation to the victims. A sum of Rs 60,000 has been awarded to injured BJP leader Anish Tahsildar. Additionally, Rs 50,000 has been directed to be paid to the mother of deceased Aslam Syed Babajan as financial relief.

The case was thoroughly investigated by the then CPI B. Girish and PSI Shashikumar C.R., who collected crucial evidence and filed a strong charge sheet. Public Prosecutor Rajesh M. Malagikar effectively presented the case before the court on behalf of the state.

Head constables B.R. Hanumantha and Ramesh Mucchandi played an important role in assisting the prosecution by ensuring proper documentation and presentation of material evidence.

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