Nine individuals granted bail under stringent conditions after alleged attack on ED officials during official duties.
In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has granted bail to nine individuals accused of orchestrating a violent assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. The accused, identified as Kiran P.S., Jeevan, Anil Kumar, Sreejith, Nishad, Sidharth S., Shefeek, Nandhu G.R., and Rahul A. Rajan, were allegedly involved in an organized attack against the ED officials who were carrying out their duties at the residence of the Leader of Opposition in Kerala.
The incident, which occurred on May 27, 2026, near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, involved a mob of approximately 300 people. The group, allegedly armed with deadly weapons, is accused of obstructing and attacking the ED officials and causing significant damage to their vehicles. The attack reportedly resulted in injuries to the officials and damage amounting to Rs. 3,00,000.
Presiding over the bail applications, Dr. Kauser Edappagath, J., noted that the applicants did not have serious criminal antecedents and that the investigation was largely completed. The court decided to grant bail, emphasizing that the accused must adhere to stringent conditions, including executing a bond of Rs. 1,00,000 each, cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, and depositing damages for the destruction caused.
The court imposed several conditions to ensure the applicants' cooperation and prevent any potential tampering with evidence or reoffending. These conditions include regular appearances before the investigating officer, a ban on entering certain jurisdictional limits, and restrictions on leaving the state without court permission.
While granting bail, the court acknowledged the prosecution's argument about the seriousness of the charges and the alleged organized nature of the assault. However, it was concluded that continued detention was unnecessary as the investigation had reached an advanced stage, with significant evidence already collected.
The case highlights the delicate balance the judiciary must maintain between ensuring justice and safeguarding individual rights. The court's decision underscores the principle that bail is a rule, not an exception, especially when the investigation is nearing completion and the accused do not pose a significant threat to the ongoing proceedings.
Bottom Line:
Bail granted to accused under Sections 126(2), 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 296(b), 132, 121(1), 118(1), and 109 r/w Section 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Section 3(1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, subject to stringent conditions, including deposit of damages and regular cooperation with the investigation.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 126(2), 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 296(b), 132, 121(1), 118(1), and 109 r/w Section 190, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 Section 3(1), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 483.
Kiran P.S. v. State of Kerala, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc id # 2953062
