Former Kerala Minister Antony Raju faced a setback as the District Sessions Court affirmed his conviction in a high-profile evidence tampering case. Raju had challenged the lower court’s decision that sentenced him to three years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000.
Despite Raju’s plea to set aside the conviction, the Sessions Court upheld the guilty verdict, stating that it was legally sound. However, the court temporarily suspended the sentence and fine pending a detailed appeal hearing.
The case stemmed from a drug seizure at Thiruvananthapuram airport involving an Australian national. Raju, a former lawyer, was accused of colluding with a court clerk to manipulate crucial evidence, leading to a significant legal and political fallout.
Formerly serving as the State Transport Minister, Raju lost his legislative position following the original conviction. The Sessions Court’s decision to uphold the guilty verdict poses ongoing challenges for Raju, who continues to pursue his appeal.
