KOCHI (Thursday, March 12, 2026) — The Kerala High Court has upheld the life imprisonment of five BJP activists convicted for the 2006 murder of Yackoob, a 24-year-old CPI(M) worker in Kannur. In its judgment, the court lamented the persistent “cycle of violence” and political rivalry in the Kannur district that continues to claim young lives.
The Incident: A Retaliatory Bomb Attack
The murder took place on June 13, 2006, in the politically sensitive region of Kannur.
- The Attack: According to the prosecution, a gang of six BJP workers ambushed Yackoob near his home. They threw a high-intensity country-made bomb directly at his head, killing him instantly.
- The Motive: The court noted that the killing was an act of “retaliation” for an assault on a BJP worker that had occurred just days prior.
- Trial Court Verdict: In 2018, the Thalassery Additional District and Sessions Court found the accused guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The convicts subsequently appealed this decision in the High Court.
The High Court’s Observations
A division bench comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Jobin Sebastian dismissed the appeals, confirming the evidence provided by eye-witnesses and forensic experts.
“This is another incident in which a young man aged 24 years lost his life as a victim of the political rivalry that existed between CPI(M) and BJP, two political parties, in Kannur district.” — Kerala High Court
| Accused (Life Term Upheld) | Details |
| Sankaran | Accused No. 1 |
| Vilas | Accused No. 2 |
| Sajith | Accused No. 3 |
| Binoy | Accused No. 4 |
| Rijesh | Accused No. 5 |
| Sreeresh | Accused No. 6 (Deceased during trial/appeal) |
Legal Significance
The court emphasized that the use of explosives in public spaces to settle political scores is a grave threat to the rule of law. The bench highlighted the following:
- Direct Evidence: The testimony of the primary eye-witness (PW-1) was deemed credible and consistent with medical reports showing a fatal head injury caused by an explosive device.
- No Room for Leniency: Given the premeditated and brutal nature of the “retaliatory” strike, the court found no grounds to reduce the life sentences.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Kerala HC upholds life term of 5 BJP workers for 2006 murder of CPI(M) activist” (March 12, 2026)
- The Hindu: “Kerala HC confirms life sentence for five BJP workers in Yackoob murder case” (March 12, 2026)
- Mathrubhumi: “Yackoob murder case: High Court upholds life imprisonment of five BJP activists” (March 12, 2026)
- Live Law: “Cycle of political violence in Kannur: Kerala HC upholds life term of BJP workers” (March 12, 2026)
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