DMK memo says SPP colluding with accused in Jaya case

The memo said it was an effort to delay the trial in collusion with the accused since the prosecution had in August last year ignored these material objects and instead sought to conclude arguments. Anbazhagan also pointed out that the SPP had sought to summon Baskaran despite knowing that he died in December last year.

“The petitioner superintendent of the DVAC in collusion with the accused has filed the application to help the accused person,’’ the memo says.

This is the second time the DMK has accused the prosecution of colluding with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in the course of the trial against her. Last August, before a different presiding officer, the party had levelled the same allegation after Bhawani Singh allowed the defence to place its arguments in the case without the prosecution presenting its case. It had then also accused the presiding officer of colluding with the accused.

The DMK allegations had led to hasty removal of the SPP by the Karnataka government but Bhawani Singh was re-instated after the AIADMK approached the Supreme Court.

Though the Supreme Court also ordered that the state government extend the term of the previous presiding officer to enable conclusion of the trial, he refused extension following the allegations brought against him. The case is now before a new judge, John Michael Cunha.