Kerala Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Five Ex‑CM Security Personnel
The ruling reduces the accused's immediate criminal exposure as the state prepares to consider whether to challenge the decision in higher courts.
Overview
- A Sessions Court in Alappuzha granted anticipatory bail on June 9, 2026, to five former security personnel tied to the December 2023 Nava Kerala Sadas incident, including the ex‑chief minister’s gunman Anil Kumar.
- Judge Honey M. Varghese said the Special Investigation Team’s addition of Section 308 of the Indian Penal Code — attempt to commit culpable homicide — was not prima facie sustainable when ordering bail.
- The SIT, appointed after the UDF government took office, had expanded charges after reviewing video and forensic material and alleged the accused used lathis without authorisation and struck protesters’ heads in a way suggesting grievous harm.
- Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the government will study the court order and consult the Advocate General and DGP before deciding whether to appeal, and the SIT or prosecution may still seek further legal action.
- Complainants including Alappuzha MLA A.D. Thomas have pledged to press the case, and the outcome could shape scrutiny of official security practices and the legal bar for charging state security staff in protest‑related violence.