Karur businessman P. Anbunathan, from whose residence Rs. 4.77 crore was seized by the Income Tax officials ahead of the State Assembly elections, appeared before the Judicial Magistrate-II on Wednesday here as per the directive of Madras High Court Bench.
Although the Bench had granted anticipatory bail in the first week of May in a case registered against him by Velayuthampalayam police in connection with the seizure of Rs. 10.33 lakh, 11 currency counting machines, four tractors, and unregistered ambulance, he did not comply with the bail conditions.
Conditional bail
Mr. Anbunathan had moved the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in another case registered against him by the Velayuthampalayam police over the seizure of Rs. 4.77 crore by the Income Tax officials. He was accused of stashing the cash for distribution among voters. Since the High Court granted conditional anticipatory bail in the case too, Mr. Anbunathan appeared before the Judicial Magistrate-II P. Revathi on Wednesday to execute the bail conditions. As per the directive, he will have to appear before the Investigating Officer of the two cases daily until further orders.
Earlier, high drama prevailed in front of the JM-II court premises as the supporters of Mr. Anbunathan warned photo journalists and cameramen against taking pictures of him when he turned up at the court.
