Sabarimala tantri case: Key accused Bachu surrenders

Kochi, Oct 3: Key accused in the Sabarimala tantri attack case Bachu Rahman, who was absconding for the past more than two months, surrendered before Kerala Police here today.

Bachu surrendered before Investigating Officer G Venu at the Central Police Station this morning, as per the directions of the Kerala High Court.

The court, while disposing off his anticipatory bail application on September 19, had directed Bachu Rahman to surrender before the investigating officer on October three.

The court had also directed the police to interrogate Bachu and produce him before the magistrate today itself. The court shall also pass the necessary orders on Bachu's bail plea on the same day itself, Justice J M James had said.

Bachu has been described by police as small time television actor and a business associate of main accused Shobha John. Police has said Shobha John is a key link in an alleged sex racket here.

Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Mohanararu was allegedly attacked in Shobha John's 'Link Laxman' flat here on July 23, robbed of his gold ornaments and forcibly photographed with a woman in a compromising position, the tantri said in his complaint to the police.

Police have said that it was Bachu Rahman who arranged the 'goonda gang' which attacked the tantri.

Bachu Rahman, however, reportedly told some television channels and newspapers here yesterday that it was the tantri himself who had ''stage managed'' the attack to divert attention from some allegations made against him in connection with the conduct of affairs at Sabarimala temple.

Kandararu Mohanararu was sacked as the tantri on July 24 by the Travancore Devaswom Board after reports of his alleged involvement in a sex racket surfaced.

UNI