Kerala: Court Approves Anticipatory Bail for Congress Leaders in Troubling Suicide Case
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Synopsis
In a landmark ruling, Congress leaders I.C. Balakrishnan, N.D. Appachan, and K.K. Gopinathan received anticipatory bail in a suicide abetment case involving party treasurer N.M. Vijayan and his son. The court emphasized cooperation with the investigation and the need to avoid influencing the case.
Key Takeaways
- Anticipatory bail granted to Congress leaders.
- Case revolves around a suicide abetment accusation.
- Investigation by Crime Branch and Vigilance.
- Leaders encouraged to cooperate with authorities.
- Political implications amid ongoing tensions.
Wayanad, Jan 18 (NationPress) In a significant ruling, Sulthan Bathery Congress MLA I.C. Balakrishnan, along with Wayanad district Congress president N.D. Appachan and local party leader K.K. Gopinathan, were granted anticipatory bail on Saturday in connection with a suicide abetment case involving the party's treasurer, N.M. Vijayan, and his son, both of whom tragically took their own lives.
The investigation is being conducted by both the Crime Branch and the Vigilance wing of the Kerala Police, leading to heightened concerns within the Congress leadership regarding the court's decision.
Following a hearing on January 17th, the court instructed the police to refrain from any arrests until the plea was resolved. Upon granting bail, the court mandated that the three leaders must cooperate with the investigation and refrain from influencing the ongoing case.
Balakrishnan expressed his commitment to adhere to the court's ruling, stating he feels no apprehension as he believes he has committed no wrongdoing.
In response to the court's decision, Appachan asserted his confidence in his innocence, emphasizing his bewilderment at being implicated, given their long-standing friendships and political affiliations.
The tragic deaths of N.M. Vijayan and his son were discovered at their residence, accompanied by a suicide note alleging the misappropriation of funds collected from candidates for cooperative bank appointments.
This note implicated several Congress leaders, including Balakrishnan, Appachan, and Gopinathan, linking them to loans taken to cover the alleged misused funds.
The suicide note was addressed to Congress leaders, instructing Vijayan's son, Vijesh, to deliver it to the Wayanad district police chief after a ten-day period. The emergence of this letter incited demands from CPI-M leaders for the immediate arrest of the Congress officials involved.
The Congress leadership is navigating this situation with caution, particularly as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also holds the position of Home Minister, has urged prompt police action, resulting in the filing of an FIR against the Congress leaders.
It is perceived as a retaliatory measure, following the Congress's earlier calls for accountability from CPI-M leader and Kannur District Panchayat president P.P. Divya concerning the suicide of Kannur Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu in October.
Under mounting pressure, Divya resigned, was denied anticipatory bail, and endured a period of incarceration before being released on bail. Both the CPI-M and Chief Minister Vijayan maintain that the same charge of “abetment of suicide” should apply to Balakrishnan and Appachan.
Furthermore, the visit of Wayanad Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi to the constituency had been postponed, but with the court's recent decision, her visit is anticipated shortly.
