KOCHI: The Ernakulam Sessions Court has modified the bail conditions of a former customs inspector accused in a gold smuggling case registered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), allowing him to accompany his son to international badminton tournaments. The person in question, Aneesh K A, 48, is a former state badminton champion.
The court directed the release of the passport of Aneesh, a resident of Kaloor, permitting him to travel with his son for upcoming international junior tournaments, scheduled at various venues worldwide, until December 1 this year.
A Badminton World Federation-certified coach and a world champion in the masters category, Aneesh had sought a modification of the bail condition that required him to surrender his passport before the Magistrate Court. The counsel for the accused argued that he serves as both mentor and coach to his son, who is currently competing in national and international badminton tournaments.
However, a senior DRI officer opposed the plea, stating that allowing the accused to travel abroad could affect the ongoing trial and raised concerns about the possibility of absconding.
The special public prosecutor also submitted that athletes selected for international championships are typically accompanied by federation-appointed coaches, making parental supervision unnecessary.
After hearing both sides, the additional sessions judge modified the bail condition by invoking provisions under the BNS, noting that the accused’s presence was required to provide his son with training, technical guidance, and emotional support.
Aneesh was listed as the fourth accused in an Order-in-Original case initiated by DRI in 2023 for refusing to undergo an x-ray exam and allegedly facilitating fraudulent exports under the Indian Customs Act.