File reply to bail plea of Murugan, HC directs CBI

In his bail petition, suspended head constable and resident of Kannankulam, Tirunelveli district S Murugan pleaded not guilty in the case and claimed that he was compelled by Balakrishnan, suspended SI of Sathankulam station, to sign the complaint copy a month ago. Late in the evening on June 19, P Jayaraj (58) and his son J Bennix (31) were picked up by the Sathankulam police on a charge of violating COVID19 lockdown restrictions by keeping their mobile phone shop open beyond the stipulated time.

After bringing the duo to the station, the Sathankulam police registered a FIR. Further, the petitioner claimed that he got access to the Sathankulam station at 8.15 pm, on the day when the duo was detained. Since the Sub Inspector Balakrishnan forced him to signature the complaint copy, he did it. But he did not assault Jeyaraj and Bennix, the petitioner claimed.

Further, the petitioner stated that officials from the forensic department had already gathered evidence pertaining to the case and moreover the investigation is also heading to a close.

Last month, the principal sessions court in Madurai dismissed his bail plea and citing these, the petitioner sought the court to grant him bail. Meanwhile, Selvarani, wife of Jayaraj, filed a petition seeking the court nod to implead herself against the bail petition of Murugan.

The judge after hearing the arguments directed the CBI to file its counter and adjourned the case to August 17.