District Judge K. Ramakrishnan on Monday rejected the bail application of M. M. Mani, formers district secretary of the CPI (M) arrested in connection with the murder of INTUC activist Anchery Baby in 1982.
Mr. Mani was denied bail on the basis of the prosecution argument that the probe was in an initial stage and the accused could influence it if released on bail.
Mr. Mani was arrested on November 21. His 14 day remand at the Peerumade sub jail was to end on Tuesday.
Senior counsel M. K. Damadoran appearing for Mr. Mani argued that the formation of Special Investigation Team and the arrest were illegal and also said that his (Mr. Mani's) health was poor. However, the court observed that if his health condition turned weak, bail would be considered then.
Mr. Mani is the second accused in the case. CPI (M) activist O. G. Madanan (third accused) and Kanikari Kuttan (first accused) are also in remand in Peerumade after they were arrested on November 26. The police had demanded their custody for further interrogation and the Nedumkandam First Class Judicial Magistrate Court will hear it on Wednesday.
Mr. Mani was arrested under sections 120 (b) (conspiracy to kill) and 118 (concealing the design to commit the crime).