Idol theft case: Shah, Rao granted anticipatory bail

A special division bench of Justice R Mahadevan and Justice PD Audikesavalu before whom their pleas for anticipatory bail came up, said, “We are inclined to grant bail as the Idol Wing CID could not move even an inch in the investigation or nab the suspects since September. Therefore, at least now the accused could appear before the wing and cooperate for the probe.”

Both Shah and Rao were also directed to appear before investigating officer at 10.30 am every day in the idol wing office at Trichy until further orders.

The idol wing CID was also granted liberty to approach the court for cancelation of bail if the accused failed to cooperate or if they could produce any incriminating evidence against them.

The issue pertains to seizure of 230 idols and artefacts from the residences of Shah and over 23 idols from Kiran Rao. It may be noted that from the day the idols were seized, both the accused remained absconding and the wing was unable to trace their whereabouts.

In November, the high court directed them to surrender their passports to the idol wing. But despite such order, the duo evaded surrendering their passports and complied with the order only after the court warned of dismissing their bail application on December 19. Similarly, former DSP of idol wing Kadar Basha who was arrested in connection with few idol theft cases and presently on bail moved the bench seeking anticipatory bail. He apprehended arrest by idol wing as he failed to abide to a summon issued by the wing owing to a family function.