'Attack on ED officials very serious': Bail pleas of five accused rejected

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The bail application of the five accused in attacking ED officials in front of Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence was rejected. The Thiruvananthapuram Judicial First Class Magistrate Court rejected the bail application of Nithinraj, Manoj, Jeevan, Sreejith and Shaheen. The court observed that the case related to the attack on ED officials is serious.

The accused have been charged with attempted murder, obstructing the execution of duty and PDPP sections. The prosecution argued in court that the accused should not be granted bail as the investigation is in an early stage. However, the defence argued in court that the sections, including attempted murder, against the accused do not exist. However, the court, observing the seriousness of the case, rejected the bail application.

Meanwhile, six more accused in the case were arrested last night. Former Attukal councillor Unnikrishnan was among those arrested. With this, the total number of people arrested in the case reached 25. The City Police Commissioner said that more arrests will follow. Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala directed the DGP to file a chargesheet before the accused are granted bail.