'Why this haste missing in bigger criminal cases?'; Court censures Hill Palace Police in film director's dramatic arrest

KOCHI: The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court strongly criticised the action of the Hill Palace Police in arresting Shamsuddin alias Shamzu Zayb, the director of the film 'Abhilasham'. The court observed that the arrest made while the anticipatory bail application of the accused was under consideration by the court was a violation of the law. The court questioned the dubious urge shown by police, which is often not seen in other cases. The court reminded police about bigger criminal cases pending at the Hill Palace Police Station, and scoffed that no haste was seen in arresting the culprits, unlike in this case.

In this case, the Supreme Court's order to give prior notice to those accused in cases where the punishment is less than seven years was grossly violated. The court also inquired about the reason for the dramatic arrest made by breaking down the door of the flat in the middle of the night. Although the Tripunithura Hill Palace SHO appeared in person, following the strict order of the court, he was not able to give a satisfactory explanation regarding the haste shown in the case.

The director was arrested on a complaint filed by the film's producer, Ann Sariga. The defence alleged that Ann Sariga's close relationship with CPM central committee member MA Baby and pressure from the Chief Minister's office were behind the haste shown by the police. The arrest in the middle of the night under criminal sections, despite it being a civil case, is alleged to be due to political influence.

The police's move came a day before the verdict on the anticipatory bail application. The bail application of all five accused is under active consideration by the court. Shamsuddin and others were arrested on a complaint related to financial fraud.