V A Zakir Hussain fails to get bail in abduction case

Kochi: The Principal Sessions Court on Friday dismissed the bail application of CPM leader Zakir Hussain,  an accused in the abduction of a businessman in Kochi. The court  stated that the police not seeking his custody was  not a ground to grant  him bail.  If released, the accused may tamper with the evidence and influence the victim, it said.

Zakir contended that the case was politically motivated. The court rejected the contention and  observed that the delay in filing the complaint was also not a ground to get bail. Zakir was arrested on November 17 and he has been remanded in judicial custody till December 1. The police interrogated him before producing him before the magistrate and did not seek his custody. Zakir may now move the Kerala High Court seeking bail.