Congress Legislator Balakrishnan Arrested in Suicide Abetment Case, Later Released on Bail
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Synopsis
On January 25, the Kerala Police arrested Congress MLA I. C. Balakrishnan in a suicide abetment case involving N. M. Vijayan and his son. Although he was released on bail, the investigation continues as the suicide note implicates several Congress leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Balakrishnan is the primary accused in the suicide abetment case.
- Two other Congress leaders were arrested and released on bail.
- The court mandated that the accused must cooperate with the investigation.
- The suicide note alleged misappropriation of funds by Congress leaders.
- Chief Minister has directed swift police action in the case.
Wayanad, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Kerala Police in Kalpetta made an arrest on Saturday involving Sulthan Bathery Congress MLA I. C. Balakrishnan in connection with a suicide abetment case concerning party treasurer N. M. Vijayan and his son.
Balakrishnan stands as the primary accused, with Wayanad district Congress president N. D. Appachan and local party figure K. K. Gopinathan also implicated. The latter two were arrested and later released on bail just two days prior.
Interestingly, the three leaders had obtained anticipatory bail last Saturday. Had they not secured this bail, the police would have certainly apprehended them, given that both the Crime Branch and the Vigilance wing of the Kerala Police have initiated investigations.
The court, upon granting anticipatory bail, instructed the three leaders to present themselves to the investigative officials as required and to refrain from influencing the case.
In response to the court's decision, Appachan expressed confidence, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing.
N. M. Vijayan and his son were discovered deceased at their residence, accompanied by a suicide note that accused certain Congress leaders of misappropriating funds collected from candidates for cooperative bank appointments.
The note identified Congress leaders, including Balakrishnan, Appachan, and Gopinathan, as recipients of these funds and cited loans taken to settle the misappropriated amounts.
Addressed to Congress leaders, the suicide note instructed Vijayan's other son, Vijesh, to deliver it to the Wayanad district police chief after a ten-day period.
The emergence of this letter has led to calls from CPI-M leaders for the immediate detention of the Congress leaders.
The entire hierarchy of Congress is proceeding with caution in this matter, especially since Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also serves as the Home Minister, has mandated prompt police action, resulting in an FIR being filed against the Congress leaders.
