When NIA Judge S Vijayakumar asked Muhammad Nainar, Badaruddin, Anaz, Shaneej and Abdul Hammed to stand near the witness box before acquitting them, the situation was tense for the quintet. When the Judge pronounced them free of all charges, Badaruddin burst into tears of relief.
When NIA officials and advocates approached him, he admitted that he was overwhelmed at being proved innocent, five years after being arrested. “I knew that I was innocent and pleaded so before the court. I, along with several others who did not know anything about extremism simply fell into a trap laid by others. There are more innocent people who unknowingly got embroiled in the case. I hope that soon we will be released and be able to start a new life,” Badaruddin said.
The NIA, in its chargesheet, had alleged that Badaruddin persuaded and convinced the deceased youth Yasin to join Jihad classes and convert to Islam.
The five were taken to Ernakulam Subjail. Once the court order is received at the jail, the acquitted persons would be released. Jail officials said the procedures for releasing them are on.