Fourth accused in tantri case remanded to judicial custody

Kochi, Aug 12 (UNI) The Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate today remanded fourth accused Biji Peter in the Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Mohanararu attack case to 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 on August two had arrested three other suspects, including main accused Sobha John, who was described by the 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 had registered a case against the accused under IPC sections 395 (robbery) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy).

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