Notice against Bachu in tantri attack case

Kochi, Aug 20: Police have issued a lookout notice for Bachu Rehman, a key accused in the Sabarimala tantri attack case.

Police said the lookout notice was issued yesterday, in connection with the attack on Sabarimala tantri Kantararu Mohanararu in the Link Laxman flat of the arrested Sobha John here, on July 23.

The tantri had lodged a complaint with the police that he was robbed of his phone and ornaments and forcibly photographed with a woman in a ''compromising position'' during the attack.

The police also announced a reward for information on Bachu, who is absconding since the attack.

Described by police as a business associate of Sobha John and also a small-time television actor, he is alleged to have organised the gang which attacked the priest in Ms Sobha's flat.

In a telephone call to evening paper 'Uttar Desham' in Kasaragod a few days ago, a man, claiming to be Bachu said the attack was organised at the behest of some ''higher-ups'' and indicated that blackmailing the tantri was the main objective.

Meanwhile, reports here said Bachu is likely to move the High Court for anticipatory bail in a day or two.

Yesterday, First Class Judicial Magistrate Sharat Chandra had permitted the Kerala Police to develop the film roll recovered from Biji Peter, who was arrested last week in connection with the case.

Biji Peter, an interior designer, has been accused of helping Bachu Rahman to escape in his car.

At the time of the arrest on August 11, police recovered the film roll, the digital camera and tantri Kandararu Mohanararu's mobile phone and gold ornaments from Mr Biji's residence here. He was later remanded in judicial custody till August 26.

Police said Ms Sobha was a key link in an alleged sex racket in the city. Sobha and two of her associates Anil Kumar and Vigil are also in judicial custody.

The Travancore Devaswom Board sacked tantri Mohanararu on July 24 after reports of his alleged involvement in a sex racket surfaced.

UNI