No Immediate Relief for Sugathan; High Court Permission Needed to Walk Free on Interim Bail

Thiruvananthapuram: A court in Nedumangad has granted interim bail to BJP councillor R Sugathan, who is an accused in an attempt-to-murder case.

However, since Sugathan is currently lodged in prison under the provisions of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), he can be released only if he also secures relief under the Act from the High Court.

Sugathan, the elected councillor from the Vazhottukonam ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, was granted interim bail from 5 pm on July 13 until 9 pm on July 14 to enable him to attend the oath-taking ceremony. He is currently lodged in Viyyur Central Prison in connection with the KAAPA detention.

Sugathan has 19 criminal cases registered against him, including four cases of attempt to murder. The District Collector invoked the KAAPA against him on the directions of the City Police Commissioner in connection with cases involving rioting, creating public disorder, obstructing police officers from discharging their official duties, and disrupting public meetings through intimidation.

He is an accused in 19 cases registered at the Vattiyoorkavu and Nedumangad police stations, including attempt to murder. After the preventive detention order under KAAPA was issued, Sugathan allegedly absconded without appearing before the police station. He was later arrested in a police operation led by Vattiyoorkavu SHO Vipin, during which officers surrounded his house and fired warning shots into the air before taking him into custody.