Sathankulam: CBI objects to grant of bail to accused cop

Madurai: The CBI has objected to the grant of bail to suspended inspector S Sridhar who was arrested in connection with the custodial deaths of P Jeyaraj and his son J Beniks at Sathankulam in Tuticorin district in 2020. The Madras high court was hearing the fourth bail plea moved by Sridhar who was arrested by CBI. His three earlier bail petitions were dismissed by the HC and his special leave petition was dismissed by the Supreme Court in 2021. In the counter, CBI stated that the prosecution had so far examined 47 witnesses of the total 132 witnesses. The remaining 85 witnesses are yet to be examined. The trial court is conducting a speeding and fair trial in the case. If the petitioner is enlarged on bail, he would tamper with the witnesses and it would affect the prosecution case. Considering the gravity of the offence, CBI strongly objected to the grant of bail. Jeyaraj’s wife J Selvarani had also filed an intervening petition in this case. tnn