The Kerala state government has filed an appeal before the High Court seeking to quash the anticipatory bail granted to five police officers, including the gunman of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. They are accused of assaulting Youth Congress-KSU functionaries during a protest against the Nava Kerala Yatra conducted by the previous LDF-led government.
Details of the Incident
According to the prosecution, during the Nava Kerala Sadas programme in Alappuzha, two functionaries — A D Thomas, now an MLA, and Ajay Juel Kuriakose — were allegedly assaulted with wooden lathis by members of the escort and security team attached to the then Chief Minister after they had been restrained by police personnel.
Anticipatory Bail Granted
On June 9, the Principal Sessions Court in Alappuzha granted anticipatory bail to all five accused police officers — S Anil Kumar, S Sandeep, V K Saiju, R Arun, and V V Vipin — in connection with a case registered at the Alappuzha South police station regarding the alleged attack.
State's Appeal
In its appeal challenging the sessions court’s order, the state contended that although the initial investigation had culminated in a refer report treating the case as a mistake of fact, the Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court in Alappuzha found serious deficiencies in the investigation and ordered a further probe. Consequently, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted on May 19.
The state argued that while the investigation is still in progress, the accused obtained anticipatory bail. The appeal further stated that the weapons allegedly used in the offence have not yet been recovered and that the investigation into their source, procurement, possession, transportation, and concealment is continuing. Therefore, the custodial interrogation of the accused is necessary, the state submitted.
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