Chapter 12: Ali Musalyar

When Congress leaders were arrested and put in jail, there was no mature leadership to take over charge and control the functioning of Khilafat committees. The Moplahs on the other hand had decided not to heed to the directives from Congress leadership. It was in this context, that the active presence of Erikkunnan Palath Moolayil Ali Musalyar in Khilafat movement emerged. This involvement lasted almost till the end of the mutiny.

Ali Musalyar was the son of Erikkunnan Palath Moolayil Kunjimoideen Sahib belonging to Nellikkuth of Eastern Eranad and Ponnani Ottakath Amina. After completing his religious education, He went to Mecca and got expert training in learning of Koran and Islamic ways. Then he became the “Mudrees” of Jamaat mosque in Kavaratti Island. The family of Ali Musayar used to live a life strictly according to the tenets of Islam.

In the 1891 Moplah mutiny of Mannarghat, Mammadkutty, the elder brother of Ali Musalyar had been shot dead by the army. At that time, Ali Musalyar was working at the Masjid in Kavaratty Island. During the Moplah insurgency that took place in 1896, in Manjeri, some of Ali Musalyar’s relatives were killed. Ali Musalyar had later worked as Mudrees of Thodikappalam, Podiyat Juma Masjid and Melmuri Juma masjid. In 1907 he became “Mudris” of Thirurangadi. For those Moplahs who were fully immersed in deep religious and nonsecular feelings, Ali Musalyar was a “Musalyar “Uppappa” (Grand father). From Thirurangadi “dars” (Study center) Ali Musalyar became a religious leader with many disciples. He was the organizer of the Khilafat committee formed in Tirur in 1920. This committee consisted of fifty members with P.M. Pookoya Thangal of Munniyur as President and K.M.Moulavi as Vice-President and K.P.Kunjipokkar Haji and Pottayil Kunjahammad as Secretaries. There were several Muslims in Thirurangadi who were prepared to do anything even at the loss of their lives if ordered by Ali Musalyar.

In June 1921, a commemorative procession was organized under the banner of Khilafat committee, to offer prayers at the Maqbara of those who were killed in the Cheroor rebellion. The incident in which seven Moplahs were shot dead in a rebellion in Cherur in 1843 has already been mentioned earlier. It was an armed gang of about 400 Molpla volunteers that marched towards the Maqbara. The British viewed with suspicion this attempt by a fully armed group to pray at a Maqbara.  The government had drawn up some contingency plans to counter attacks if any in case attempted to by the Moplahs. Meanwhile, Ali Musalyar was engaged in imparting training in the use of arms to a large number of Khilafat volunteers for a big action, under the supervision of his closest aides, Lavakkutty and Kunjalavi. His role in the Moplah rebellion has already been extensively detailed in this book.

Ali Musalyar’s arrest and the judgement in his case

Ali Musalyar and his followers, after the hearing of their case at Kozhikode, were taken to Coimbatore jail. The copy of judgment was published in the Kerala Patrika of December 1921. The judgment is as under.

1. Ali Musalyar and another 37 Moplahs are charged with the crimes under Section 121 of Indian Penal Code for waging a war with the King and under Sections 302 and 149 for murdering Private Williams of Dorset Regiment at Thirurangadi.
2. The sanction for proceeding against them wide government order no: 633 of September 21^st and with some amendments, order no: 688 of 12^th October 1921.
3. The District Gazette records that the Muslim community has remained notoriously degenerated with several dangerous and atrocious activities for the past 100 years. Earlier this was due to fanaticism. The revolt first started in Eranad where some low casts had earlier been converted to Islam. These people were very poor and virtually had no education at all. In their mind a deep rooted belief was created that it was possible for them to attain heaven only by killing “Kaffirs” and their servants. For killing Hindus they had the support from the fanatic Muslims also. Though there were a very few instances of land lord – tenant conflicts, that was no reason for causing large scale riots like this. Treatment of Moplahs of Eranad and Valluvanad as a wild tribe with little exposure to civilization seems to be a truth in view of the current scenario. The page no: 84 of District Gazette points out Thirurangadi as the center of Moplah concentration and the crime pertaining to this case has also taken place there itself.
4. The court observes that, it was not mere fanaticism or problems related to land that prompted Ali Musalyar and his group to organize these revolts, but Khilafat and Noncooperation movements. This is exactly what distinguishes the current revolt from the earlier ones. Though their attempt was due to foolishness, their ultimate intention was to end the British rule and establish a Khilafat government as is clear from the evidences produced. Though Ali Muslayar had declared himself as a King he had not fixed the boundaries of his Kingdom. He had demonstrated practically his one-upmanship for a week. All these can be viewed from the evidences produced.
5. This statement will reveal a few points which may otherwise remain hidden in this case. Keeping the mosque as the center for waging a war against the Crown and the manner in which several people lost their lives will be exposed by historic facts. In none of the earlier riots the leader of the gangs had surrendered before the government. In this case we see Ali Muslayar and his 37 followers surrendering themselves before the law. This makes it clear that the reason for the revolt was not any fanaticism but instinct for terror.
6. During the months of October and November 1920, Khilfat outfits were formed in Tirur and Thirurangadi. Such units were formed in Malappuram and Pookkottur too. Ali Musalyar, who was the Mudaris of Kizhakke Palli (Eastern mosque) for past 14 years, was also one of the organizers in Thirurangadi. At Malappuram, the President was Kunji Thangal and at Pookkottur it was Vadakke Veettil Mammad. Since all these people were aides, they are also important. Witness no: 2, the Dy. Police Superintendent and witness no: 4, the Police Inspector and witness no: 8, The Circle Inspector of Police from the prosecution side say that Vadakkeveettil Mammad is a disciple of Ali Musalyar. Kunji Thangal is a friend and supporter of him. A very popular Kunjikkadar Hajiyar was present in a meeting in Thanur where Ali Musalyar had given a speech. It is seen that the plan of action drawn up on that day was put into effect with great care. He is related to the leader of Nellikkutthu from where he hails originally – Variyankunnath Kunjahammad Haji, through a marriage. It has not been possible to find him out so far. He is wandering about in the area posing as the Governor or a Khilafat king.
7. The administrators had issued an order of release on probation of good conduct against some leaders of Khilafat movement at Tirur and four disciples of Ali Musalyar named Abubacker etc. under IPC section 107 at the appropriate time, but not explicitly against Ali Musalyar. The enquiry was held at Thirurangadi. This created some unrest there. The government had sent to jail those four people who had failed to provide requisite personal bail. A group of people enraged by the conduct of law in taking the prisoners to jail threatened the police at Parappanangadi railway station. Since there were Khilafat movements in other parts of the district, bail procedures were executed in those places also.
8. The court does not want to know for the present the demands of the Khilafat organizations. But the court recognized from the evidences, the intention behind Ali Musalyar’s speech and its impact on his followers in Khilafat activities in Thirurangadi. As per the statement of the Inspector, witness no: 4, Ali Musalyar is a highly influential man among Muslims. Once he became a religious cleric, people started believing that he had some divine powers. He has a number of disciples. He had presided in many meetings and addressed them. The 4^th witness used to be present in in disguise at such meetings. The fourth witness says that Ali Musalyar had said in his speeches that that the Amir of Afghanistan had defeated the British and he is coming to conquer India and Gandhiji and Ali brothers have decided to help him and the Muslims should help Gandhiji and Ali Bothers and instigated people to take law in their hands. He used to advise people not to cooperate with the government officials and to kill them and boycott the law courts of British government. The witness adds that he used to make fiery speeches in these meetings and accused numbers 2,3,7,16,18,31,32,33,and 38 used to be present at such meetings along with others. The fifth witness, a Muslim, says that such meetings were held at mosques and Khilafat committee offices. The court feels that this witness is a gentleman and is reliable. He says that Ali Musalyar used to exhort people in open meetings to topple the British government and kill the British officials and establish a Khilafat rule and at all such times everyone else except accused 5 and 14 were present. This witness states that the first accused used to procure weapons and ammunition and arranged for making of swords at several places. The witness might have been able to know about the collection of arms because of the large scale in which it was being done. Prosecution witnesses 3 and 4 had received information about making of swords and they brought the same into the notice of concerned authorities. In addition to this, the first accused had actively engaged in recruiting youngsters as Khilafat volunteers for purposes of war.
9. Khilafat volunteers are those who serve for the cause of Khilafat as and when needed without any remuneration. This is a common translation of the word “volunteers”. Such volunteer forces were formed in several places in the district and they have fought in the war at times of need in the past.
10. Prosecution witness no: 5 is a Moplah who knows all this. He says that the process of recruiting volunteers for Khilafat and fighting against the British King had taken place in the eastern mosque and he had witnessed it. Each person was seen swearing in, holding a copy of Koran in one hand and a sword in the other. This was taking place under the supervision of Ali Musalyar. These volunteers wore Khaki pants and coat with a red turkey cap on the head and used to roam about the streets regularly. Witnesses 3 and 4 have seen these volunteers in this attire at Thirurangadi. The court has no doubt about the fact that the first accused had recruited these people for waging a war. The first accused has no arguments to bring forth in respect of this.
11. The witness number 4 says that accused numbers: 2,3,6,7,16,18,30,31,32,33 were ex-military men. Kunjalavi, Lavakkutty and Karadan Moideen were Jamedars of Ali Musalyar and Kozhissery Moideen Kutty etc. were volunteers.
12. Prosecution witness number 4 being a police officer had cautioned Ali Musalyar about his people roaming around with arms, but there were no results.
13. From the evidences it is clear that by May and June, the volunteers were thoroughly trained and weapons procured. The forth witness also says that the first accused had engaged in the month of June, ironsmiths at Thirurangadi and other places to make knives for fighting.
14. June is famous as the Ramzan month in this history. The first accused went to Thanur. He was present at the meeting held at the Juma mosque.
15. On June 8^th, the Ramzan day, the first accused started with about 400 volunteers at 3 pm. They went straight to the ground situated on the southern side of the government offices at Thirurangadi. The dead bodies of Moplahs, who were killed in an earlier rebellion, had been buried there. After praying there they returned to Kizhakke Palli (eastern mosque). The fourth witness had recognized the accused nos: 2,9,16, and 31 while standing at the Police station. Witness number 6, a Moplah staying near that ground has also stated that he had seen and identified all the culprits. From evidences available it is seen by this court that conducting prayers in that ground had been officially banned for a long time. The accused have not refused this. The purpose behind going to that ground has not been revealed by the accused. Though the prosecution has alleged that they had gone there to take pledge of sacrifice of their lives for Khilafat activities, there is no evidence for this. Probably the volunteers would have had some such intentions. It can be reasonably assumed that, like using of the grave of Mambram Thangal to obtain divine blessings before embarking on dangerous pursuits in the past, (See 84, 85 pages of District gazette) the graveyard of earlier insurgents were used to secure blessings for success of Khilafat. The accused have not said why they have visited the graveyard. The first accused says that this assumption is not true. The court observes that the first accused had recruited volunteer force for this occasion and organized a trained armed gang. Some of the accused belong to this group.
16. The second prosecution witness had gone to Thirurangadi to meet Ali Musalyar and ask him about this but he refused to meet this witness stating that “I am a person belonging to Non-cooperative movement”
17. On June 18^th the second witness went to Thirurangadi to meet Ali Musalyar. The first accused met the witness with a fully uniformed Khilafat volunteers numbering about 50 along with another 600 followers. In the statement given by the witness in the court, the indifferent attitude of Ali Musalyar is pointed out. He has also carefully noted the presence of accused nos: 4, 8 and 32 among the crowd and 4,6,7,9,16,20,26,31 and 38 as volunteers among them. The fourth witness has identified the accused nos: 2,3, 6,7,16, 18,31,32 and 33. During the interview with Ali Musalyar, the second witness says that he had promised to stop the Khilafat activities. To watch the activities of first accused, the witness no 2 stayed in Tirurangadi itself. There was a plan to arrest Ali Musalyar. So uniformed and armed followers of Ali Musalyar numbering about 500 from areas like Pookkottur and Podiyad etc. came to Thirurangadi on 18^th and 19^th in a aggressive mood under the leadership of Vadakkeveettil Muhammad and Karatt Moideenkutty Haji etc. and extracted a promise from witness number 2 that Ali Musalyar will not be arrested, on the basis of which they withdrew. From this extra ordinary incident the responsibility for which has been taken over by Ali Musalyar and his gang, the court comes to a conclusion that they have openly challenged the government officers. The police could not do anything against them. The court also concludes that the first accused not only did form a volunteer force and equipped them with arms and training but also anticipated help from other similar groups for proceeding against the government.
18. Some people had decided to organize a meeting of Moulavis at Ponnani on 24^th July to desist Khilafat movement. The first accused sent a fully armed volunteer force of about 100 people to the site of the meeting. They had used a red flag. This volunteer force clashed with the opposite group at the bazar. Somehow, it did not end up in any breach of peace.
19. There is no evidence for the other accused having taken part in this. But the prosecution witness number: 8 states that Vadakkeveettil Muhammad and Moideenkutty Haji from Pookkottur, who are the main people among the accused, were present at the material place and there was a close association between the first accused and V. Muhammad and K.Moideenkutty Haji and the Moplahs of Eranad taluk and Ponnani had come prepared to accept the leadership of Ali Musalyar. These were the main incidents which caused breach of government orders put in place to ensure peace among the public.
20. The situation was dangerously deteriorating fast. From another thing that emerges out of the evidences, the court finds that the intention of Khilafat movement was to destabilize the British government. Neither Ali Musalyar nor his gang is directly much connected with this. A volunteer force had gone from surrounding places to Thirurangadi in June for helping Ali Musalyar. This has a connection with Vadakkeveettil Muhammad. He was a workman of the sixth Thirumulpad of Nilambur Kovilakam. There were some conflict of words between Thirumulpad and Muhammad.
21. There was an attack on a house in Pookkottur by the end of July. When the Sub Inspector of Manjeri went there to make enquiries, the Moplahs blocked him. However the Thirumulpad helped the Sub Inspector who is the prosecution witness 8, to conduct a search in the house of Muhammad. This turned out to be a major disaster. The second witness testifies that by July 31 and August 1, all the Moplahs of Pookkottur and Podiyatt prepared themselves for the outrage. When the Circle Inspector entered Pookkottur, on August 1^st, about 2000 fully armed Moplahs cornered him. Many of them had Khilafat uniforms and emblems on them. Their leaders were V.Muhammad and K.Moideenkutty Haji. All these facts are stated in detail by the prosecution witness number 8. He also says that Ali Musalyar had given orders to execute all government officials from Valluvambram Village Officer to Police Superintendent for working against the Khilafat. The eight witnesses escaped to Malappuram and saved themselves. An old man called KunjiiThangal had brought calm to the charged emotions of Pookkottur residents. The Moplahs insisted that there should not be any implementation of law or arrests of people in Pookkottur. Three days later the Police Superintendent reached there to suppress the activities against the government. He met about 600 armed Moplahs there. V.Muhammad, K.Moideenkutty Haji, P.Kunjammadkutty, and T.Kunjahammad Haji etc. were the main leaders. In the opinion of the second witness they were the disciples of Ali Musalyar. They had decided to kill the 6^th and 10^th Thirumulpads who were helpful to police in searching the house of Muhammad. Prosecution witness no 2 tried to pacify them and inspected the spot on 9^th and 11^th. He has given evidence that rule of law will not be possible there since the Moplahs of Pookkottur and Thirurangadi have already prepared themselves for bloodshed. Not much time was needed thereafter to commence the mutiny. In Thirurangadi the mutiny commenced with full strength on August 20^th. Let us stop the facts about these accused ones for a while before going into detail about the important happenings on 20^th and 21^st. When the mutiny commenced, the government increased the strength of its officers in those places affected by the riots. Now let us see what all happened from the beginning of the mutiny till the filing of this case.
22. There are a number of evidences to prove that first accused Ali Muslayar did lead the Khilafat movement. They had planned several actions in various ways against the government. He propagated his ideals beyond Thirurangadi, to Thanur and Ponnani also. Simultaneously the disciples of Ali Musalyar were actively engaged in activities related to Khilafat in Melmuri and Pookkottur. Since they spread the rebellious outrages with all force, the police could not restore peace. The first accused has very little to say anything about these evidences. He says that he is a member of Khilafat organization. He also adds that Khilafat means only establishing the rights of Muslims among public in religious matters and they had not thought of doing anything against the British government. He does not confirm that he along with his volunteers visited the place where prayer was forbidden. But considering the evidences furnished by the prosecution this denial of the accused number 1 is useless. The Court finds no reason to disbelieve these evidences furnished.
23. But about other accused, the court does not find that the evidences pertaining to the period of conflict are very strong. Accused numbers 2, 3, 6,7,18,30,31,32 and 33 were members of Ali Musalyar’s volunteer force. Some of them had opposed prosecution witness number 2 when he went to Thirurangadi. Accused number 18 and 32 were important people among the crowd and wore uniforms. It is proved that they were present for the prayer held on Ramzan day.
24. Now we need only concentrate on what all happened on August 20 and 21.
25. The prosecution witness number 2 describes what happened on 20^th.The District magistrate along with some Police and Army visited Thirurangadi. They had come to arrest the first accused and to take into custody the weapons banned under Malabar military rules after conducting house searches. The first accused was not located. But they arrested the three others. The accused no: 18 who took Mr. Hitchcock to a house promising to show the first accused ran away through an opposite door. To catch the absconded culprit a police group was positioned in the bazaar and the others went to the Kutcheri. To face the crowd that was formed on the eastern side of the Kutcheri, Mr. Rowley and the second in command, Mr. Johnson went towards there. On hearing that a large crowd of Moplahs were coming from Parappanangadi to oppose the police, a group of policemen under the command of Meinwantt and Hitchcock went ahead to tackle them. Another group under command of Leilstoris accompanied them. They clashed with a group of 3000 armed Moplahs at a place about a mile away from Thirurangadi. They had waved Khilafat flags. Kunjikkadar was their leader. Due to their fight with the police some of them were killed and Kunjikkadar along with some others were arrested. The police and the military returned to Thirurangadi. The police challenged the crowd assembled there and dispersed them by resorting to firing. Later, Rowley and Johnson were seen lying dead along with another policeman missing during the melee.
26. Next day, the District Magistrate and army took the prisoners to Kozhikode via Parappanangadi. On the way they had to fight with the mutineers. This happed at several places on the way. They saw the railway station at Parappanangadi looted by the miscreants. The rails had been removed. Passengers had to walk through the sides of rail with great care. A crowd of people had assembled on Vadakkumpatt Bridge. The army saw them attempting to break the bridge. They dispersed this crowd also by resorting to firing. Toto Ham had brought a vehicle to Feroke to transport the prisoners etc.
27. The prosecution witness 9 says that he had seen the crowd ransacking the Parappananagadi railway station. The Moplahs had declared that they will not allow the District Collector and army to return to Kozhikode.
28. Prosecution witness no: 7 says that similar incidents had happened at Thanur too. The Moplahs went to the police station and asked the constables to leave the place immediately since they had orders to loot all government offices. They looted the police station and burned all official records.
29. When the District Magistrate left, Thirurangadi the rioters started torching government offices. The prosecution witness is an eye witness to all this. They had been saying that the government buildings were no more necessary for the land and their own buildings will suffice.
30. The witnesses 10 and 11 testify that the leaders of the crowd that attacked Rowley were accused nos: 18 and 19. They were also the leaders who demanded the release of the District Magistrate.

31 Neither Ali Musalyar nor accused no: 18 and 32 were directly involved in the incidents now detailed. The history of this Taluk, the environment of which was badly affected by the Khilafat movement needs special attention. The District Magistrate had gone to Thirurangadi to arrest the main leader of the movement, Ali Musalyar and hid gang. Kunjikadar had come to assist Ali Musalyar.  The court has to presume from the same evidences that the mutiny of 20^th was a direct result of Ali Musalyar’s speech and his intention was also to initiate an armed conflict. Ali Musalyar knew that the police was going to arrest him soon. He also knew that procedure for the arrest was underway. He was creating a situation for his arrest. The incidents of 20^th were an indicative forerunner to the mutiny that was soon to follow.

32. The accused persons including the volunteers are all his followers. Evidences furnished under sections 1, 14,15, and17 prove this.
33. Ali Musalyar went into hiding. The army had been looking for him. So he vacated the eastern mosque which was his place of stay. The army could not locate him. Next day when the army left the place Ali Musalyar came out of hiding. The witness number 5 proves what happened subsequent to that. We should remember that this person being a Moplah himself is boldly coming to give evidence with great aprehensions about safety, against his own religious community who hate him like anything. The witness also states that the accused no: 3 and 4 had come to his looted house. Accused nos: 18 and 30 carried him to the presence of Ali Musalyar who was standing on the road side. Ali Musalyar was wearing a Khadi dress. He had put on a long coat reaching up to the feet and a turkey cap wrapped in green cloth. He also had a sword in his hands.
34. His friends summoned the fifth witness before. The witness says that there were many people with him. Ali Musalyar told him that “You deserve death. But since being a Muslim I am not killing you. But you should recite Kalma again and join our group.” Before reciting the Kalma they compelled him to disclose the whereabouts of Village Officer, Sub Inspector, Circle Inspector and Amu. The first accused then said that he is the king and everyone should obey him. The witness says that he repeated Kalma on the determination that he will help the authorities.
35. As asked by Ali Musalyar he was in Juma at mosque itself on 23^rd. He had told the volunteers and Moplahs that he was the King. It is also known that on that day he had led a procession also. People had been chanting “Takbir”. After going round the bazar the procession returned to mosque. The first acused wore a white shirt and green shoulder cloth with red cap. The procession was accompanied by drum beats also.
36. The first accused used to regularly visit Khilafat offices and buildings. The prosecution witness no: 15 says that Ali Musalyar did give orders to start the rebellion and fight with the British. Ali Musalyar had also told the people in charge of running markets and boat jetties that they belonged to him and not the British and hereafter he will collect the taxes and revenues thereon.
37. Prosecution witness number 6 who is also a Muslim had similar experiences. He says that he was at his home when the District Magistrate came to Thirurangadi and was afraid that he will be killed since he was not a member of Khilafat movement. Ali Musalyar asked him to join the group. He ran away to Cherumukku which is 3 miles away from Thrikkulathur. Musalyar went to Cherumukku with 300 people, arrested him and brought him to Thirurangadi on 21^st. He was handcuffed and taken to Juma – at mosque where he was kept tied to a pillar. Musalyar treated him in the same way he did to witness no:5 and made him recite Kalma.
38. The mutineers had ransacked all offices in Manjeri except Sub Registrar’s office and set fire to them including all records. The treasury was also looted. All these were being done by Moplahs. Some of them had special uniforms too. From the submission of prosecution witness no: 2 it is clear that the leaders of the riot were disciples of Ali Musalyar.
39. In Tirur, between 20^th to 21^stof August, a reign of terror was in force. Witness number 3 from the prosecution side explains in his statement that thousands of Moplahs marched up and down along the bazar roads, set fire to the court building, destroyed all records and hoisted Khilafat flag on the court building. They seized the rifles of the Reserve police and small arms from the police station. 7 rifles of the Reseve police and 3 small arms were later found in the Jumaat mosque of Thirurangadi on 31^st August. The arms surfaced immediately after the same were lost from the police station. Prosecution witness no: 3 confirms that he identified the small arm recovered from the mosque which was the same revolver kept by him at Tirur police station.
40. All the accused used to work united. What we now need to discuss is about the main incident. This evidence is regarding the incident that took place in Thirurangadi Jumaat mosque after proclamation of martial law during 30^th and 31^st of August. Most of the contents of evidence given by witness nos; 1 and 2 are pertaining to this.
41. The 5^th witness says that Ali Musalyar had given orders to fight when the army reached the place. He says that he saw several Moplahs including their leaders going to the mosque with swords on 28th and this repeated on 30^th morning also. But further details based on this statement are not believable.
42. Since the government got the news that the rebels have assembled in the mosque and were ready to initiate a war, it became necessary to catch them and hence the army cordoned off the mosque. The second witness led the force comprising of witness no: 1, Dorsten Regiment and Mr. Bullet and other officers to the place. There were 160 soldiers in the Dorsten regiment. They saw the road towards Thirurangadi blocked by felling of trees. There were several Moplahs inside the mosque. They had closed all entrances like doors and windows. The Moplahs used to watch outside through windows. The second witness saw the accused number 18 among them and talked with him. He told the accused no: 18 that if they came out of the mosque after surrendering all arms, the army will not open fire. He replied that they will think about it and come out the next morning. The superior officers of the army decided to wait considering the religious feelings of the involved. The army temporarily withdrew its plan to attack the mosque.
43. The court knows what happened the next day from the words of the Dy. Superintendent himself. He says. “On 31^st morning, people looked out of the window and I repeated the previous day’s words. By 9.30 the sound of drums were heard from inside the mosque. This sounding of drums is called Nahara. The purpose of this sounding of drums was to attract the Muslims from nearby villages and join the battle. Same time drums started sounding from Kizhakke Palli also. The Kizhakke Palli is about three furlongs from Jumaat mosque. This sound of drums continued for some time. Then accused number: 18 looked out and said that he had to tell me something. Conceding to hear what he had to say I went near the mosque. He informed me that everyone inside the mosque was prepared to die and none will come out. Then he disappeared from the window and soon firing started from the inside of the mosque. It was evening by then. Those inside the mosque started firing at the army who had surrounded the place. A sergeant of Dorsten regiment was injured. The exchange of fire lasted for half an hour. Then firing started from the mosque through open windows. On the south side of the mosque there were big windows and two or three small windows. The windows did not have any steel bars. A few escaped through the windows on the western side. They used guns and knives in which a few soldiers were killed. I now feel that a Moplah might have escaped through the eastern side of the army cordon. Private William and five others were injured. A Moplah who came out of the mosque stabbed William with a war knife. William fell down because of that. Though more Moplahs reached the place to kill William, a soldier shot them all dead. The Moplahs who came out of the mosque attacked the Commander of the force Mr. Bullet; he too shot them all dead. The exchange of fire lasted for quite some time. Finally when a white flag was shown from the mosque, the firing was stopped under the orders from Major Hop. He had realized that the white flag indicated their intention to surrender. I entered the mosque after cessation of the firing. The 11^th accused – a boy and 16^th accused an old man were standing there holding a white flag. They told me that some of them were going to die and Ali Musalyar was ready to surrender. I asked them to surrender all arms and come out. The door on the south side of the mosque opened and though some came out, others were hesitating. I shouted at them that there was no need to be afraid of and they can come out one by one. The 38 people accused and standing in the court are those who came out one by one. The accused number 38 did not come out. He was lying silent on the floor of the mosque. I caught and handed over him to the army after entering inside the mosque.He did not have any injuries. I searched everywhere inside the mosque and handed over all the 38 people to the army. Then I went upstairs and found the dead bodies of insurgents who were killed in the firing. There were none who were injured there. The prisoners were taken by the army to Tirur.
44. Though not so clear, the army chief and first witness of the prosecution has also furnished similar evidence before the court. He says that the Moplahs attacked them from within the mosque and as a result 26 people were killed. He adds that even after the death some other people continued the attack on the army. They too were defeated and chased away.
45. After the above incident when the District Police Superintendent entered the mosque and prepared the list of items found there, the relative evidence is not found satisfactory by the court. The list of items found and prepared then is not produced before the court. The copy presented here is also not correct as per his version. Only a few of the items taken into custody have been presented in the court. The witness says that there were a big drum, 17 big rifles, guns and revolvers, 600 knives, some gun powder, 10 bags of rice, and vegetables and some other goods in the mosque. His evidence can be accepted without any doubt. But it seems that he was a little careless in this. Before entering in the list he had handed over all these knives to the army in a hurry.
46. The District Superintendent says that Karadan Moideen against whom there was a warrant was seen lying dead on the top floor of the mosque. Moideen is the person who supported Ali Musalyar with all his force, while prosecution witness number 2 went to Tirur for an interview on June 18th. The court feels that his death was the impetus for Ali Musalyar to surrender.
47. The evidences necessary to punish the guilty are available to us from the above. The causes for the punishments are as under.
48. All the accused have jointly fought against the King to destabilize the administration.
49. By killing Private William the accused are guilty of homicide.
50. Accused no: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,14,16,17,18,32 and 33 all belong to Thirurangadi and its surroundings

No: 11,13,21,22,23,24,25 and 26 are from Karamkunnu village of Ponnani taluk. The rest come from various villages of Eranad taluk.

49. The court has not examined any witness from the side of the accused
50. On August 30^th and 31^st all these accused were in Juma at mosque. They were also arrested from there. The question arises as to what these people were doing there. What was their aim? Was it to fight against the king? Everyone knows that all these people were in a mosque, the doors and windows of which were securely closed and converted into a fort. These accused were fully armed and accompanied by their followers. Weapons were lost from there unseen. Their spirit for action did not allow them to surrender before the army. A few people opened fire at the army which had cordoned off the mosque on 31^st. Some came out and fought with the soldiers using their knives. A soldier was hacked to death. Four or five people were injured. Almost 75 percent of the culprits were killed and the balance surrendered.
51. There are a lot of evidences to prove what prompted Ali Musalyar to start the rebellion. The court observes that he had participated in the Khilafat movement and propagated among the people the idea of opposing the British administration and its army, and instigated the people to follow violence and noncooperation. After the government withdrew its forces on 21^st, he collected weapons and volunteers and posed himself as the King and handled administration. He had been inviting people to the mosque for participating in a war. It is confirmed that he was the hero of the fort. It was the news of death of his closest lieutenant that prompted him to surrender.
52. It has been proved beyond doubt that he has fought against the King on 31^st. Hence he has committed crime punishable under section 121 of Indian penal code.
53. Regarding accused no: 2,3,6,7,16,18,30,31,32 and 33 the court finds from the evidence that they were members of the volunteer force of Ali Musalyar. Accused no 18 and 32 are people of special importance. These two have opposed Mr. Rowley and led the mob demanding the release of those arrested. Accused no: 2,3,4,5,6,7,9,16,18,20,31,32,and 38 were among the group which opposed the prosecution witness number 2 at Thirurangadi on 18^th. There is evidence to show that the others were also members of the Khilafat movement.
54. The motive of accused no: 2 to 38 were to oppose the administration. We can presume that they had assembled in the mosque to prevent the arrest of their respected leader. All their actions were open. Though the accused do not admit it the court has to depend upon evidences. We are convinced that their evidences are not reliable. This is not an incident unconnected with the activities of Musalyar. We should not close our eyes to what happened in neighboring areas in the wake of evidences. The martial law was enforced due to the rebellion. Immediately after the commencement of the rebellion on August 20^th, a fully armed group of about 3000 people went to Thirurangadi and were defeated in a fight with the army. The crowd was engaged in damaging the railway and telegraph lines and setting fire to government property. Ali Musalyar declared himself as the King and invited people to come to the mosque to fight against British army. A battle was fought making the mosque as a central point. Those who were inside the mosque were no doubt waging a war.
55. We have examined in depth how much truth there was in the statement of the insurgents that they went to the mosque for prayer and fought back in self-defense. The incidents proved that their statements are false. Thus the court is fully convinced by the evidences of the prosecution.
56. The atmosphere was totally spoiled. In other areas of Eranad also the dark clouds of war were spread. In Many places the government offices were torched. The traffic was blocked between the road from Tirur and Thirurangadi by felling of trees and laying them across the road. The houses of Moplahs in Tirurangadi became empty. Had the accused been interested in self-defense they could have left the place like the other followers of Musalyar. The fifth witness says that generally everyone goes to Jumaat mosque for prayer only on Fridays. 30^th and 31^st were Tuesday and Wednesday. Moplahs do not wear dirty clothes while going for prayers like the ones wore by these people. When the prosecution witness no: 2 entered the mosque he says that he did not find even a drop of water there, though, generally there will be enough water to wash the limbs and purify the body before offering of prayers. Again he adds that generally no one stays in the mosque during the nights. The evidences suggest that his statement about many people staying in the mosque on the evening of 27^th is true.
57. We see that the mosque was converted into a fort by the mutineers. There they had collected guns, knives and food items. Ali Musalyar converted the mosque into a place for organizing his force. He believed that the mosque would enhance the faith and inspiration of his followers. The insurgents believed that killing all those who fought them was their divine duty. The prosecution witness no: 5 says that Ali Musalyar had issued a command everyone should come to the mosque to fight against the British Government. He had deployed a volunteer force with instructions to block the entry of British army into the town.
58. Since the accused knew a day in advance (Monday) the news about the army having reached Panampuzha at a distance of one mile from there, they could have definitely escaped if they wanted.
59. About 70 Moplahs who were inside the mosque had decided to fight against the army. They did not heed to the advice to surrender themselves on 30^th. Next day they made a fierce attack against the army after sounding of war drums. In spite of all this, the chief of the army requested them to surrender and gave enough time for that. The accused surrendered only when there was no hope for any victory. The fact that the white flag was waved by an old man and a child is indicative of this.
60. In the circumstances, I believe that the false statements of the accused are of no use and unacceptable.
61. The jury and court are of opinion that fighting against the government is fighting against the Crown. So we find that these people guilty and are punishable under Section 121 of IPC.
62. This court pronounces all the accused guilty of murder under Section 302 of Indian Penal Code. Private William was killed by a Moplah who came running out of the mosque. This was a unique murder. This has happened while waging a war against the King. All the accused knew well that they were committing murders. They are also guilty under Section 149 of IPC and are punishable under Section 302 of IPC.
63. Now we have to think about the extent and type of punishment.
64. The leader of the mutiny and his followers who fought against the government deserve severe punishment. The accused, 1. Palath Moolayil Erikkunnan Ali Musalyar, 2. Kokkaparamban Rayin, 3. Chelupadath Kunjichekku, 4. Kuttassery Muhammad, 5. Cheenakkal Mammadkutty, 7. Panakkal Unneenkutty, 18. Kulipilakkal Hassankutty, 20. Irimpan Mammadkutty, 30. Elampulassery Moideenkutty, 31. Pattalathil Kadassery Ahammad, 33. Uruniyan Ahamad, 38. Kolakkat Kunjalankutty are sentenced to death.
65. Accused no: 8. Thekke Chakkengath AbduRehman, 11. Achiprakkaran Saidalavi, 14. Kossery Soofikkutty, are minors and hence decided to be deported. We recommend to the government to show mercy on them.
66. Accused no: 6. Mattath Saidalavi Poochengal Kunjahamad, 12. Annassery Unneenkutty, 13. Kakkiliparambath Mammutty, 25. Parampan Koyakkutty, 26. Kozhipurath Saidalikkutty, 28. Purakot Aidru, 29. Nechimannil Kunjimoideen are reportedly misguided people as per the version of their friends. I feel that except for accused no: 6, all else need only a mild punishment for their offences. The sixth accused is a person who teaches Koran to children in addition to being a volunteer of Khilafat movement. For this reason and the fact that he is comparatively suffering from ill health and old age, I am imposing only a minor punishment on him. The guilty are punished with deportation for life under section 121.
67. By evidences produced, the sixth accused is a Khilafat volunteer but he is old and suffering from ill health. Hence he is punished for life imprisonment under section 121.
68. The other accused persons have not joined the fight out of their free will. The court feels that they were new to the crime and hence they are not punished with death penalty.

Under section 121, accused no: 10. Thalikkal Pokkar, 15. Chempilakkal Eni Haji, 17. Nechimannil Ahammad Haji, 19. Nechimannil Kunjahammad, 21. Kekepeediyakkal Kunjali, 22. Charath Saidalavi, 23. Kalathil Mammad, 24. Pallipotta mayinkutty, 27. Kallan Alavi, 34. Palasseri Ithikkal Kunjeethu, 35. Karimpil Ahamad, 36. Nechimannil Kunjeen, 37. Chempan Alikkutty are punished with life imprisonment.

69. I , again punish accused no: 1,2,3,4,5,7,18,20,30,31,32,33 and 38 with death penalty and for above reasons, life imprisonment for accused no:, 6,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,22,23,24, 25, 26,27, 28,29,34,35,36 and 37.
70. In the opinion of the court the government can confiscate the assets of the accused under Section 121 of IPC.
71. Those who have been condemned for death, if they prefer to submit an appeal may do so within seven days from today.

This is the decree of a case on charges filed against 38 people relating to the Thirurangadi incidents. Similar decrees were passed in other cases of riots and murder that had happened in Eranad, Valluvanad and Thirurangadi etc.