Ex-congress MLA R Selvaraj, gunman arrested

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former MLA R. Selvaraj and his former gunman Praveendas were arrested by the Thiruvananthapuram rural police in connection with setting on fire a portion of the former’s house and police tent. Both were arrested and sent on bail as per an earlier order of the High Court. Praveendas, who was a civil police officer with Neruvamoodu police station, was placed under suspension by the district police chief.

The incident pertained to the case occurred in 2012 and Selvaraj had initially alleged that CPM leaders were behind the attack to settle grudges over his shift from CPM to Congress.  The police initially closed the case citing lack of evidences. After the LDF came to power, the probe was reopened and it was found that the fire was set by Selvaraj and Praveendas. Selvaraj’s contention that he was at Velankanni church during the incident was also found to be false.

As Selvaraj and Praveendas sought bail, the court directed the two to appear before the investigation officer, district crime branch DySP D Ashokan.  The investigation officer was also directed to grant bail to him. Sections of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act was also arraigned against the accused as tent of the police team providing security to him and furniture in the tent were also damaged. This apart, IPC sections for criminal conspiracy and mischief by fire were also invoked against the accused.