Hit-and-run case: Custodial interrogation essential says HC

Madurai, Mar 07: Cancelling the anticipatory bail of the prime accused in the hit-and-run incident involving two highways engineers, the Madras High Court today said certain material factors were not brought to the court's notice when it passed the impunged order granting the bail last month.
In his order, Justice K N Pasha of the Madurai Bench of the court said the high court had on Feb 27 granted bail to Senthilkumar, the prime accused, on the ground that the injured persons had already been discharged from hospital and the investigation was over. That was the impression the court got from the government advocate.
He said certain material factors were not brought to the notice of the court at the time of passing the impunged order in respect of the nature of allegations levelled against Senthilkumar.
The two Highways engineers, Anthony Xavier and Sundaram, and a police constable escaped a murder attempt, caught on video camera, when a speeding car ran over them while they were engaged in demolishing a temple constructed on encroached land in Kanyakumari on February 6.
The Judge said Senthtilkumar allegedly dashed the car at the officials when they were discharging their duty and that too in pursuance of the orders passed by the high court.
Though two of the injured had been discharged from the hospital one was receiving treatment at the private hospital.
Considering the gravity of the offence, custodial interrogation was very much essential to find out the truth in the matter and complete the investigation, the court said. - Agencies
Published: Saturday, March 08, 2008
Chennai Online