KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Antony Asanparambil, vice chairman, Maradu Municipality, the alleged mastermind in the abduction of Shukkoor, a building contractor.
The court directed the accused to surrender before the investigating officer(IO) within one week between 9-10 am. After interrogation the accused should be produced before the Magistrate Court.
When he is produced in the court, the Magistrate concerned should dispose of his bail petition, if filed, on the same dayitself, the HC said.
The police submitted that the investigation in the case revealed that the petitioner conspired with the fellow accused to abduct and illegally confine Shukkoor.
The accused had direct links with notorious gangsters such as Nazeer alias ‘Bhai’ Nazeer and Thampi alias Kundannoor Thampi, who were the co-accused in the case. Five accused, including the petitioner, was absconding and their arrest was essential. Besides, all the accused were involved in organised crime. There was a good chance of the petitioner influencing the witnesses and tampering with the evidence if he were granted anticipatory bail, the HC was told.