Brothers Sentenced to Life for ‘Honor Killing’ in Kerala

After 13 years, the Thalassery Additional Sessions Court has sentenced K.N. Ismail and K.N. Firoz to life imprisonment for the murder of their sister, Khadeeja (28), from Padikkachalil, Ullyil. The court found that the accused murdered Khadeeja due to their opposition to her second marriage.

The incident, which prosecutors argued was an honor killing, took place at noon on December 12, 2012. The siblings allegedly lured Khadeeja and her second husband, Shahul Hameed of Farook, Kozhikode, under the pretext of accepting her second marriage. Khadeeja had divorced her first husband before marrying Shahul Hameed. Upon their arrival, the accused brutally murdered Khadeeja and severely attacked Shahul Hameed.

During the final arguments, the defense contended that it was not a case of honor killing. However, the prosecution strongly argued that it was indeed an honor killing and demanded the death penalty for the accused.

Additional District Court (One) Judge Philip Thomas pronounced the verdict on Thursday evening at 3 PM. A large number of people, including Khadeeja’s relatives and local residents, had gathered at the court premises to hear the judgment. The court also acquitted four other accused in the case, finding them not guilty.