KATTAPANA: A woman panchayat member and her accomplices have been remanded in custody for allegedly trying to frame his husband in a drug case by hiding the banned drug MDMA in his bike. Soumya Sunil (33), Vandanmedu gram panchayat member and her accomplices Shanavas (39) and Shefin Shah (24) from Kollam were remanded. Soumya was shifted to Kottayam Women's Jail and two others to Peermade Sub Jail. The alleged incident took place on May 22.

The plan was hatched with Soumya's lover Vinod, who is in the Middle East. Sunil was taken into police custody following a tip-off, but the investigation reached Soumya and her lover Vinod after his innocence became clear. Vandanmedu police have also started efforts to repatriate Vinod from abroad. At the same time, the Vandanmedu panchayat secretary received a letter of resignation sent by Soumya via post following LDF's intervention. The accused are likely to be taken into custody next Tuesday for further investigation.