Abhimanyu Killing Trial Set to Start August 17 After Long Delay

After more than seven years of inactivity, the trial in the high‑profile Abhimanyu murder case is finally moving forward. On Thursday, the sixteen accused—alleged affiliates of the banned Campus Front—stood before the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court following a stern warning from the judge.

The court read out the revised charges, which include murder, criminal conspiracy, rioting and unlawful assembly. The defendants uniformly denied all allegations, maintaining that they are innocent. A next hearing is fixed for Monday, with the trial officially scheduled to commence on August 17, as ordered by the Kerala High Court.

The incident dates back to July 1, 2018, when 21‑year‑old SFI activist Abhimanyu was stabbed on the Maharaja College campus, later dying from his injuries. Four other SFI members were also wounded. The prosecution argues that the accused attacked students over a dispute concerning posters, leading to the violent episode. The high court had previously directed the sessions court to finish the case within nine months, granting a final four‑month extension before this appearance.