In Kerala, an NIA Special Court in Ernakulam today convicted six persons in connection with the chopping the palm of  College Professor T J Joseph by supporters of the now-banned Popular Front of India. 

The court acquitted five others in connection with the case. The accused were charged with offenses under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the Explosives Act, criminal conspiracy, grievous bodily harm with a deadly weapon, and criminal intimidation under IPC.

Today's verdict relates to the second phase of the trial. In the first phase in 2015, the Court convicted 13 persons. The PFI attacked the Professor in 2010, on allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed in a question paper prepared by him.

The quantum of punishment will be pronounced tomorrow.