Govt, excise commissioner answerable to Sheela Sunny being implicated in fake drug case: HC

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Saturday said that if Sheela Sunny, the owner of a beauty parlour in Chalakudy, has been implicated in a fake drug case, the government and the excise commissioner are liable to give a definite answer. Justice Devan Ramachandran also observed that the fact that Sheela Sunny had to stay in jail for 72 days is a serious matter. The court also directed to send notices to the opposite parties, chief secretary and excise officials.

Sheela, who was dropped from being an accused, filed a petition demanding compensation of Rs 72 lakh. The petition will be considered again on March 7. She has demanded compensation of Rs 1 lakh per day for 72 days in jail and that Rs 10 lakhs be allocated immediately.

The petitioner contended that the seized item was found to be non-narcotic and she was trapped by the Excise and other concerned parties. The court was also informed that an investigation is underway against excise officer K Satheesan in connection with the fake case. He is under suspension.

Thiruvananthapuram Additional Excise Commissioner, Ernakulam Excise Crime Branch Assistant Commissioner, Thrissur Assistant Excise Commissioner (retd) D Sreekumar, who investigated the case, Iringalakuda excise officers KA Jayadevan, Shibu Varghese and RS Rajitha are also opposing parties. The court has directed to give notice through e-mail to the three persons who remain in the Iringalakuda office.

On February 27, 2023, the Excise team seized 12 LSD stamps from Sheela's scooter. The report received from the Regional Chemical Examiner's Lab in Kakkanad revealed that the seized drug was not intoxicating. Sheela was arrested and spent 72 days in jail. The High Court quashed the drug case on a plea filed by Sheela Sunny.