Date:30/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/30/stories/2006053012510500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Bail petition by `naxalite' rejected

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Monday rejected a bail petition by a "naxalite" who was allegedly involved in an attack on a police camp at Venkatamanahalli in Tumkur district in 2005.

The petitioner, Suresh, had sought bail, and said he had been arraigned as accused number 34 in a case filed against him in Thirumani police station.Opposing the bail plea, State Public Prosecutor Dore Raju said that on February 10, 2005, Suresh and 300 "other naxalites" entered into a criminal conspiracy and attacked a school, which was the location of a camp for Karnataka State Reserve Police personnel. Mr. Dore Raju said Suresh was arrested on May 4, 2005, and he gave a "voluntary statement", confessing to the crime. A grenade was recovered from Suresh. Earlier, the accused had allegedly planted land mines to kill policemen, he added.

In its statement of objections, the Government said Suresh and the other accused had been trying to sabotage the law by resorting to terrorist acts.

It said that if bail was granted to Suresh, he could tamper with evidence.