The Madras High Court Bench here on Friday ordered an interim stay on the bail granted by a lower court to seven suspects in the alleged murder of ‘Pottu’ Suresh, a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) functionary.
Principal District and Sessions Judge B. Gokul Doss had granted the bail to P. Sabarathinam, M. Santhanam, M. Sekar, R. Karthik, A. Senthil, N. Nagamurugan and S. Lingam on Tuesday.
Challenging the order, the Inspector of Subramaniyapuram police station filed a petition claiming that the suspects might threaten the witnesses and interfere with the investigation if they are released on bail. Since the prime accused in the case, ‘Attack’ Pandi and Praveen, were absconding, releasing the suspects on bail will hinder the manhunt, the Inspector contended.
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The suspects were also involved in several other criminal cases in Madurai district. All the suspects were ‘henchmen to hardcore criminals,’ he further argued. Justice K.B.K. Vasuki admitted the petition and ordered an interim stay on the bail order till April 16.