HC criticises IO for not effecting arrest of woman MLA

The Kerala High Court today slammed the Investigating Officer concerned for not effecting the arrest of a woman MLA in Kerala in connection with a criminal case related to assault of an additional district magistrate in Idukki district while discharging his official duty.
Rejecting the police report that there was no need for arresting CPI MLA E S Bijimol as she was interrogated by police under provisions of the CrPC, Justice B Kemal Pasha in his order, pointed out that the offence alleged against the MLA was of serious nature and punishable for a period of 10 years.
The court also directed that a copy of the order be sent to the state police chief for further action in the case.

The court was considering the petition filed by Idukki ADM Moncy Alexander, seeking a directive to the Crime Branch of Kerala police to complete the probe expeditiously.
The Peermade MLA had allegedly assaulted Alexander at a private estate near Peruvanthanam last year when he reached there to implement a high court directive to restore a dismantled gate of the estate.
The anticipatory bail application filed by Bijimol is pending consideration of the high court.