Former DMK minister’s bail plea adjourned

Justice R Mala of the Madurai bench of the court adjourned the case,saying the petitioner’s counsel could take their chance before some other judge,who would preside over proceedings during the vacation court sitting next week,as she did not favour enlarging the accused on bail.

Counsel for petitioner even offered to deposit Rs.2.4 crore before the lower court to enlarge them on bail.

G R Swaminathan,counsel for Srinvivasan,objected to grant of bail,pointing out that Nehru’s brother Ramajeyam was arrested at Kochi Airport on September 5 while trying to escape to another country. There was no assurance that the accused would not escape if they were granted bail.

The counsel said Nehru may not escape but he will “threaten” the complainant. “He is the district secretary of a political party,a former minister,and a candidate for the Tiruchi West assembly constituency. He has muscle power,” the counsel said.

The complainant had been receiving threats also,it was alleged.

Nehru and two others were granted bail in two other cases,registered by the District Crime Bureau,last week. One of the complaints related to grabbing of a private hotel situated in Tiruchirappalli district. A loyalist of DMK Treasurer and party chief M Karunanidhi’s son,M K Stalin,Nehru was arrested on August 25.