KOTTAYAM: As part of taking strict action against police officers who committed serious lapses in the incident related to the abduction and death of Kottayam native Kevin P Joseph, the Police Department is likely to approach the Kerala High Court seeking the cancellation of the bail granted to ASI T M Biju and police driver M N Ajayakumar, who were arrested on extortion charges.
Kottayam SP Harisankar told ‘Express’ they had already sought legal advice from government advocates in the High Court on moving an application in this regard. “We are expecting a reply from the legal section on Wednesday. We will commence the procedure to seek cancellation of the bail the following day,” he said. Biju and Ajayakumar were arrested for collecting Rs 2,000 from Syanu Chacko, who is one of the key accused in the abduction and death of Kevin.
Then cops were arrested and produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court -I, Ettumanoor on May 31 and were granted bail the following day. The incident led to the Police Department drawing flak from various quarters for not taking necessary steps to prevent the duo’s bail. Following this, the police decided to move the High Court. The department believes the duo could have prevented Kevin’s abduction had they been vigilant that night.
‘Model punishment’ mulled
Meanwhile, top cops have also taken steps to award ‘model punishment’ to the erring officers, including former Gandhinagar SHO M S Shibu, GD charge Sunnymon, Biju and Ajayakumar, in the case. The department is considering all possibilities, including dismissing them from service, if the legal advice is favourable. At the same time, such an action will be taken only after hearing the versions of the officers. They will be served a show-cause notice soon for the same.