IUML leader, 24 of its supporters get life terms for double murder

PALAKKAD : Twenty-five accused, including an IUML leader, found guilty in the Mannarkkad double murder case were awarded life imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 each by the additional district and sessions court in Kerala’s Palakkad on Monday.
The first accused in the case is CM Siddiq, then vice-president of the Kanjirapuzha gram panchayat and an Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader. Last week, all 25 accused who are IUML supporters, were found guilty under IPC Section 302 for the murder of Hamsa and Nooruddin, two brothers belonging to the AP Sunni group and CPM workers on November 21, 2013, following a political dispute. The attack was carried out by a gang that included Muslim League workers. CPM had alleged it was a planned political murder in an area where the League held sway.