Synopsis
The Madras High Court has granted bail to two police officers involved in an extortion case, citing parity with other accused who were previously released. The officers will report daily to the police station until further notice.Key Takeaways
- Madras High Court grants bail to two police officers.
- Bail granted on parity grounds with other accused.
- Officers must report to the police station daily.
- Case involves significant allegations of extortion.
- Serious prior offenses linked to Sub-Inspector Lloyd.
Chennai, March 10 (NationPress) The Madras High Court has approved bail for two police officers implicated in an extortion case by the Chennai police. Justice Sunder Mohan, in a ruling on Monday, stated that Sub-Inspector Sunny Lloyd and Special Sub-Inspector T. Rajasingh were eligible for bail based on parity, as three other individuals involved in the case had already been released on bail.
The court mandated both officers to report to the police station every day until further notice. Reports indicate that on December 11, 2023, acting on a tip-off from Lloyd and Rajasingh, three officers from the Income Tax Department—Pradeep, Prabhu, and Dhamodharan—intercepted a man named Thamim Ansari, who was carrying Rs 40 lakh in cash.
The IT officers reportedly forced Thamim into their vehicle, threatened him, and extorted Rs 15 lakh. This crime was uncovered when Lloyd was arrested in a separate extortion case.
During the investigation, he disclosed information about the December 11 incident, implicating himself and the others involved.
On February 4, the Thousand Lights police filed a case against all accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 126(2), 127(2), 239, 240, 199, 256, 316(5), 314, 318(2), 308(3), and 351(2). Lloyd and Rajasingh submitted a bail petition, contending that their arrests were based solely on statements from other accused and that no victim had come forward to substantiate the claims against them.
Nonetheless, Additional Public Prosecutor Arul Joseph vehemently opposed their bail, asserting that the petitioners were key accused and had provided essential information that facilitated the extortion.
He further claimed that both officers were involved in at least eight similar offenses. Investigators have indicated that SSI Lloyd was the architect of this crime and other extortion cases. Reports suggest he was involved in four incidents in the previous three months alone, resulting in the misappropriation of nearly Rs 1 crore.
Additional allegations propose that Lloyd utilized the extorted funds to establish a luxury gym in Zam Bazaar and acquire a resort along the East Coast Road (ECR).
Investigators also allege that he had engaged in criminal activities for over five years and had faced dismissal from his position three times. Despite the gravity of these accusations, the High Court granted bail to him and Rajasingh, directing them to report daily to the police station as part of their bail conditions.
