Kochi: In a significant development in the 2010 Thodupuzha hand-chopping case, a special NIA court in Kochi has granted permission to the agency to carry out a further probe into the alleged wider conspiracy of the Popular Front of India (PFI).

PK Mohandas, Judge of the Special Court for NIA cases, allowed the plea following a petition filed by the probe team on November 20.

In its petition, the NIA stated that during custodial interrogation, first accused Savad disclosed that PFI cadres and leaders had helped him find shelter and employment in Pandrimalai, Dindigul (Tamil Nadu) and later in Kannur. The agency said additional investigation was required to gather more scientific evidence and identify those who assisted the accused or were part of the conspiracy, PTI reported.

After hearing both sides, the court permitted the further probe.

“It is reported that further investigation is necessary to collect more evidence and to ascertain the role of other suspects in the crime and its conspiracy. On hearing the learned Public Prosecutor and considering the report filed by the investigating officer, the court is of the view that the petition can be allowed,” the order stated.

Professor Joseph of Newman College, Thodupuzha, was attacked in July 2010 by a group who chopped off his right palm, accusing him of religious blasphemy in a question paper he had set.

The case was later taken over by the National Investigation Agency, which secured the conviction of 19 accused persons.

The prime accused, Savad, who allegedly carried out the chopping, was arrested in January 2024 from Berram, Mattannur, Kannur, where he had been hiding under the fake identity of Shajahan.

The NIA also arrested Shafeer C, who allegedly arranged shelter and provided logistical support to Savad at Chakkad and Mattannur in Kannur since 2020.