The District Sessions court in Nilgiris adjourned the Kodanad murder-heist hearing to 26th November and the public prosecutor has stated that if necessary there will be arrests in the trial.
The Nilgiris: The District Court in Nilgiris has adjourned the Kodanad case for the 26th of November on Friday.
Sessions Judge, Justice Sanjay Baba adjourned the Kodanad murder-heist case hearing to 26th November. Prosecution counsel Shah Jahan stated that over 45 witnesses’ have been interrogated to date and there will be arrests in the trial if necessary.
Late Chief Minister, J.Jayalalitha and her long-time aide Sasikala own a tea estate in Kodanad in Nilgiris. There was a break-in into the bungalow and the mansion. Guard Om Bahadur was killed on 23rd April 2017, months after J.Jayalalitha’s death. Kanagaraj and Saiyan were suspected to be the masterminds behind the heist and murder. However, Kanakraj was killed in a car accident.
Saiyan, Walayar Manoj, and 8 others were arrested in connection with the case and are out on a bail. Walayar Manoj is in Coonoor branch jail since none turned up for his side. The cops continued to interrogate Saiyan, Dhanapal (Kanakaraj’s brother), and additional interrogations were held with the rest accused Jamsheer Ali, Santhosh Samy, Manoj Samy, Bijin Kutty, Sathisan. The police arrested Dhanapal and Ramesh on 25th October in which the court allowed the police for a five-day custodial interrogation with Dhanapal.
The Kodanad murder-heist trial was heard in the District Court, Ooty in Nilgiris district today. Sayan, Valaiyar Manoj and Udayakumar were present for the hearing. Special prosecution counsel Shah Jahan and public prosecutor Anand appeared for the hearing and pressed for further questioning.
Justice Sanjay Baba adjourned the hearing to November 26th and the bail hearing for Dhanapal and Ramesh has been postponed to 2nd November.
Special Public Prosecutor Shah Jahan stated, “Police are continuing to investigate the case. While more than 45 witnesses have been questioned so far, there will be arrests if necessary. Additional time was requested for further investigation and the hearing has been adjourned to November 26th. The police filed a petition to take Ramesh into custody and interrogate him. The judge has permitted a 5-day custodial interrogation. The hearing on Dhanapal and Ramesh's bail plea will be held on November 2nd. Electronic evidence is being collected and time is needed to investigate inputs gathered from cell phone operators.