Three Convicted in the Shaba Sherif Case: A Landmark Verdict
KOZHIKODE: In a groundbreaking verdict, the Manjeri additional sessions court has convicted three individuals of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the notorious Shaba Sherif case. This case stands as a rare instance in Indian legal history, where a conviction has been reached without the recovery of the victim’s body or body parts.
The Evidence That Led to Conviction
Central to the conviction was a hair sample collected from the vehicle used to transport the victim’s remains, which yielded a positive mitochondrial DNA match. Judge M Thushar sentenced first accused Shaibin Ashraf (37), a businessman from Mukkatta; second accused Ponnakkaran Shihabudheen (39), Shaibin’s manager; and the third accused, Naduttodika Nishad (32), Shaibin’s driver. They were found guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including IPC Sections 304, 120B, 365, and 201.
Background of the Case
The prosecution alleged that on August 1, 2019, Shaibin and his associates abducted Sherif, a Mysuru-based traditional healer, and kept him captive for 14 months. During this period, they reportedly tortured him to extract a secret formula for an “ottamooli,” which is a traditional folk remedy. It is believed that Sherif’s body was dismembered and disposed of in the Chaliyar river.
Acquittals and Future Proceedings
While nine other accused, including Shaibin’s wife Fasna and retired sub-inspector S Sundaran, were acquitted, the court is set to pronounce the sentence for the convicted individuals on Saturday.
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