Court rejects bail to 5 in ED attack case linked to raid at former Kerala CM’s residence

Thiruvananthapuram: The accused in the attack on Enforcement Directorate  (ED) officials during a raid at the residence of former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan faced a setback on Saturday after a court rejected bail pleas of the first five arrested.

The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Thiruvananthapuram dismissed the bail petitions filed by Nidhin Raj, Manoj, Jeevan, Sreejith and Shaheen. The court observed that the alleged attack on officials of a central investigating agency constituted a grave offence requiring serious consideration.

Charges and arguments in court

The accused have been charged with attempted murder, obstruction of public servants in discharge of official duties, and provisions under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.

The prosecution opposed the bail applications, stating that the investigation was at a crucial preliminary stage and that granting bail could hamper the probe.

The defence argued that stringent charges, particularly attempted murder, would not stand scrutiny during the course of the investigation.

The court, however, accepted the prosecution’s submissions and declined to grant bail.

Arrests continue as probe intensifies

In parallel, city police have intensified action against those allegedly involved in the violence. Six more accused, including former Attukal councillor Unnikrishnan, were arrested on Thursday night, taking the total number of arrests to 25.

Police sources said further arrests are likely in the coming days as investigators continue to identify and track those involved in the attack. The City Police Commissioner said the investigation was progressing rapidly and that additional suspects had been placed under surveillance.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure the charge sheet is filed expeditiously. The directive is aimed at strengthening the prosecution case before the accused can approach higher courts.

The attack on ED officials has triggered widespread debate, with the court’s refusal to grant bail marking the first major judicial setback for those arrested in the case.