4th accused in tantri case in judicial custody for 14 days

Kochi, Aug 12 (UNI) The Ernakulam chief judicial magistrate today remanded fourth accused in the Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Mohanararu attack case, Biji Peter, to 14 days judicial custody, till August 26.

Police also produced the case-related articles, including a film roll, the tantri's gold ornaments and his mobile phone, allegedly recovered from Peter's house yesterday, in the court.

Police said they will move an application before the court on Monday, seeking permission to develop the film roll.

Peter was produced before Ernakulam CJM P D Sharanghdharan at his residence today.

Police had arrested Peter, 31, from his residence yesterday morning for allegedly hiding the stolen goods and helping one of the main suspects, Bachu Rahman, to escape in his car.

Among the articles recovered from his residence were the tantri's gold ornaments, a dagger, two mobile phones (one belonging to the tantri and the other to Shanta, the woman with whom the priest was allegedly photographed in a compromising position), and a film roll, police said.

Police also seized Rahman's passport, identity card, bank books and two Lancer cars.

Police had on August two arrested three other suspects, including main accused Sobha John, who has been described by police as a key link in an alleged sex racket in Kochi. The other two who were arrested were her accomplices Anil Kumar and Vigil.

The police have registered the case against the accused under IPC sections 395 (robbery) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy).

Tantri Kandararu Mohanararu, one of the main priests at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, was sacked by the Travancore Devaswom Board on July 24 as reports of his alleged involvement in a sex racket surfaced.

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