Antony Raju likely to resign his MLA post in evidence tampering case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Antony Raju, who was sentenced to three years imprisonment for tampering with evidence, is likely to resign his MLA post today. His move is to resign himself before the assembly secretary issues a disqualification order. With the three-year prison sentence, he is not eligible to continue as an MLA under the Representation of the People Act. This move is based on the legal advice received by the government and Antony Raju before he is disqualified.

His membership will be cancelled after the assembly secretary examines the court order and officially disqualifies him. He decided to resign himself to avoid this. He is likely to meet the Speaker this morning and submit his resignation. If he is unable to meet in person, he will submit his resignation letter via email.

He will also not be able to contest elections for six years. The CPM may take back the Thiruvananthapuram seat given to the Democratic Kerala Congress. Nedumangad First Class Judicial Magistrate Ruby Ismail sentenced him to a total of six and a half years in prison for various crimes. The sentence was reduced to three years on the condition that it be served concurrently.

Since the sentence was three years, he was granted a month's bail. This is the time to appeal to the higher court. The court also sentenced the first accused, K A Jose, a clerk at the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court, to the same sentence, finding equal participation in the crime.