The Kerala High Court issued an order preventing the arrest of KPCC President K. Sudhakaran until June 21 in connection with a cheating case involving fake antiques dealer Monson Mavunkal. The court's decision came after Sudhakaran filed an anticipatory bail plea. Justice Ziyad Rahman passed the order and stated that Sudhakaran should not be arrested until the case is heard again on Wednesday.
Sudhakaran argued in his plea that the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the police in 2021 contained no allegations against him. He claimed that his name was included in the case much later, and there was no evidence to support the charges against him. The Congress leader emphasized that he had not committed forgery or aided anyone in such activities. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation and assured that he would not evade justice.
The case dates back to 2018 when Anoop allegedly paid Rs 25 lakh to Monson Mavunkal at Sudhakaran's Kochi office, with Sudhakaran reportedly present. Sudhakaran was accused of taking Rs 10 lakh, promising favors in return. The Crime Branch named him as the second accused and initially asked him to appear before the probe team on June 14. However, Sudhakaran cited prior commitments and requested a postponement to June 23. Subsequently, a fresh notice was issued by the Crime Branch.
Sudhakaran expressed concerns that the notice served to him after 19 months of registering the case was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his image. He contended that the delay in issuing the notice appeared to be for political reasons and lacked substance. The Congress leader firmly believed that he was innocent and feared being dragged into the controversy unnecessarily.
The court's order restrains any action against Sudhakaran until the next hearing on Wednesday, where further considerations regarding the case will be made.
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