KOCHI: MK Nasser, the mastermind in the professor palm chopping case surrendered at the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in Kochi on Friday morning.

Nasser came to the court along with two advocates who have been appearing for other accused in the case around 11 am. The court later remanded him in custody till November 11. The bail application submitted by Nasser's advocates will be heard on November 9.

The 46-year-old Nasser was later taken to the Ernakulam Town North Police Station and to Sub Jail, Ernakulam.

Nasser, a resident of Kadungallur village in Ernakulam district, told the media he had been staying in various parts of the state for the past four years.

Joseph, a former professor of Malayalam at Newman College in Thodupuzha, was attacked by activists of Muslim outfit Popular Front of India on 4 July, 2010, while he was on his way home with his family from church.

They reportedly attacked the professor for apparently preparing a question paper with blasphemous content 'insulting' Prophet Muhammed.

The NIA Special Court here in April convicted 13 persons in connection with the sensational palm-chopping case of a college teacher, while acquitting 18 others. 10 of the accused — Jamaal, Muhammad Shobiin, Shamsudeen, Shanavas, KM Pareeth, Yunas Aliyar, Sajeer, and KM Kazim — to eight years in prison, while three other accused — Abdul Latheef, Anwar Sadiq and MM Riyaz — who helped the culprits were sentenced to two years of imprisonment.