'Strong evidence exists against Antony Raju'; Govt report in HC on mainour theft case

KOCHI: The government submitted a report to the High Court showing that former minister Antony Raju was accused in the mainour theft case based on strong evidence. It was clarified that Antony Raju's claim that the case was fabricated to ruin his political career is baseless. The government submitted the report as the High Court is scheduled to consider on Friday the petition filed by Antony Raju seeking a stay on the trial court's verdict.

The accused were added after collecting witness statements and evidence in the re-investigation ordered by the court. Jose, who was a clerk, is the first accused and Antony Raju, the second. The first accused handed over the mainour to Antony Raju without a court order.

The prosecution has proven that the mainour was tampered with when it was in Antony Raju's possession. He was conspiring with the court staff to save the foreigner accused in the drug case. The report also questions the credibility of the justice system.

• The fact that the petitioner committed this crime as a lawyer before becoming a public representative adds to its seriousness. The trial court sentenced him after examining all the evidence

• The petitioner's desire to contest the election cannot be considered an exceptional circumstance to stay the sentence.