HC dismisses anticipatory bail plea by TN-ex minister's aids

Chennai, Sep 12 (UNI) Madras High Court today came down heavily on Erode district police for shoddy investigation of the charge of land grabbing and abduction against former Tamil Nadu minister for handlooms N K K P Raja and his accomplices.

Dismissing the anticipatory bail petition filed by 39 people, including Viswanathan and Sundararajan, Justice R Reghupathi expressed strong dissatisfaction over the investigation carried out by Perunthurai police of Erode district.

The judge said the investigation report suppressed facts and did not reflect the truth.

It may be recalled that a landlord in Perunthurai area Palanisamy and his family members who were allegedly abducted by Raja's henchmen, were also 'robbed of ten acres of land. A building belonging to them and their farm were also destroyed. Palanisamy and his family members were abducted and were forced to affix their signature on blank documents at the instigation of Raja.

On a Habeas Corpus petition filed by Palanisamy's son-in-law, police produced them in the High Court. The court directed the Perunthurai police to investigate against the accused named by Palanisamy.

An FIR was registered against 39 people following which they moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. This was opposed by Palanisamy.

Government pleader Durairaj submitted that a detailed investigation report was filed in the court already. It was on this report that the judge expressed dissatisfaction at the inquiry. The judge said he would pass a detailed order directing that the case be transferred from Perunthurai police to the state CB CID.

UNI XR VV SP HT2120