CPI-M's Kerala Local Polls Candidate Sentenced to 20 Years for Bomb Attack?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A CPI-M candidate, V.K. Nishad, is sentenced to 20 years in prison for a bomb attack dating back to 2012. This legal setback could hinder his campaign in the upcoming local elections, raising questions about his eligibility as a municipal representative.
Key Takeaways
- V.K. Nishad faces a 20-year prison sentence.
- The ruling raises questions about his eligibility for local office.
- The case stems from a bomb attack on police in 2012.
- Legal consequences may impact the LDF's electoral strategy.
- Political ramifications are being closely monitored in Kerala.
Kannur (Kerala), Nov 25 (NationPress) V.K. Nishad, a candidate from CPI-M vying for Ward 46 in the Payyannur Municipality, is now confronted with a significant legal hurdle in his quest to become a municipal representative after a court ruling on Tuesday condemned him to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a bomb attack case dating back over ten years. This conviction poses a serious threat to his eligibility to take office if he is successful in the forthcoming local elections.
The Thaliparamba Additional District Sessions Court sentenced Nishad alongside fellow party member T.C.V. Nandakumar to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, imposing a fine of Rs 2.5 lakh on each of them. Nonetheless, the court remarked that serving a 10-year term would suffice to fulfill the punishment.
This ruling has reverberated through local political circles, especially as Nishad is actively campaigning as the CPI-M's endorsed nominee for the LDF.
The incident dates back to August 1, 2012, when police were allegedly attacked with homemade bombs in Payyannur town, triggered by rising tensions following the arrest of senior CPI-M leader P. Jayarajan in the Shuhaib murder investigation.
According to the prosecution, Nishad and his associates launched bombs at police officers with lethal intent, leading to charges under IPC Section 307 (attempt to murder) and Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Presided over by Additional Sessions Judge K.N. Prashanth, the court found both defendants guilty of attempted murder and unlawful use of explosive materials. The judge emphasized that the attack was not merely a protest but a calculated effort to inflict severe injury on law enforcement personnel.
As the local elections draw near, this verdict presents a complex dilemma for the LDF camp. Should Nishad emerge victorious, legal and procedural obstacles may impede his ability to officially assume the role of municipal councillor due to disqualification criteria associated with criminal convictions.
The unfolding political and legal consequences are being keenly observed in both Payyannur and across Kerala.
Point of View
This development underscores the ongoing complexities in Indian politics, particularly within the context of electoral integrity and legal accountability. As the narrative evolves, it is crucial to maintain an unbiased lens while reporting on the implications of such legal decisions on political candidates.
NationPress
25/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was V.K. Nishad sentenced for?
V.K. Nishad was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a bomb attack case dating back to 2012.
How might this affect his candidacy?
If Nishad wins the local elections, he may face legal obstacles that could prevent him from taking office due to disqualification norms related to criminal convictions.
What does the court ruling entail?
The court ruled that both Nishad and his co-accused were guilty of attempted murder and the illegal use of explosive materials, with a fine imposed on each.
