The accused involved in the attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials during a raid at former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence faced a setback as a court denied bail to the first five arrested individuals. The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Thiruvananthapuram dismissed the bail pleas, citing the seriousness of attacking officers from a central investigating agency.
The accused face charges such as attempted murder, obstructing public servants in their duties, and violations of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act. The prosecution argued against granting bail, emphasizing the early stage of the investigation and the potential interference if bail was given.
Despite defense claims that the charges, especially attempted murder, might not hold up during the investigation, the court sided with the prosecution and refused bail. The city police have also increased efforts to apprehend more suspects involved in the violence, with a total of 25 arrests made so far.
The case has garnered political and legal attention, prompting Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to instruct the Director General of Police (DGP) to expedite the filing of the charge sheet. This move aims to bolster the prosecution’s case before the accused can seek relief from higher courts, following the court’s decision not to grant bail.
