Date:18/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/18/stories/2006111812870400.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

Kanichukulangara fake accident case: bail denied to sixth accused

Staff Reporter

Sajith surrenders before the police earlier in the day

N.S. Sajith arriving to surrender before the police in Alappuzha on Friday.

ALAPPUZHA: Alappuzha Judicial First Class Magistrate K.R. Madhukumar on Friday remanded N.S. Sajith, managing director of the Himalaya group of companies and sixth accused in the Kanichukulangara fake accident case to judicial custody till November 20.

Earlier, the magistrate dismissed a bail application filed by Sajith's advocates.

The prosecution will request police custody for Sajith on November 20 when the court meets again.

Sajith surrendered before Alappuzha Crime Detachment Deputy Superintendent of Police P.A Johnson at 9 a.m. on Friday.

Alleged mastermind

Sajith is alleged to be the mastermind behind the accident on NH 47 a year ago in which Everest Chit Fund managing director T.G. Ramesh and two others were killed.

A lorry had rammed the Tata Safari car in which Ramesh and others were travelling in, killing all but one. Sajith had been absconding for over a year.

K.M. Binish, another managing director of the group and fifth accused in the case, had surrendered earlier.

Sajith arrived at the Dy.SP office along with his advocates and relatives.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court had asked him to surrender before the police.

Mr. Johnson said the police would take action against those who helped Sajith evade arrest.

He said the allegations raised by Sajith against investigating officers were wrong and were part of his efforts to weaken the case.

Raises allegations

Sajith had accused that the investigating officers had demanded bribe from him.

Mr. Sajith, who appeared cheerful, told the media that he was innocent and had full faith in judiciary.