Swiss Embassy refused to give the undertaking so as to release Baud’s passport
Swiss native Jonathan Baud
Kochi:In a new twist to the Swiss native Jonathan Baud case, the Swiss embassy has refused to give an undertaking that Baud will be made available as and when requested by the investigating officer or the trial court.
According to Director General of Prosecution T. Asaf Ali, the Swiss embassy has refused to give the undertaking so as to enable the release of Baud’s passport. The Kodungallur JFMC had retained the passport as per the directive of Kerala High Court.
While granting bail, Justice K. Abraham Mathew specifically stated that a certificate shall be issued to him on his release stating that the passport is in the custody of the court. After the release, he shall produce the undertaking of the Swiss embassy that he will be made available as and when requested by the investigating officer or the court. On providing the undertaking, the Kodungallur court can release the passport.
Baud’s counsel Ramesh Babu S. revealed that Baud was yet to get the undertaking from the embassy which was delaying his travel plans to his homeland. He added that the visa of Baud would expire on September 15.
With this, Baud will be forced to stay in India and face criminal charges for overstaying the visa period. Jonathan Baud was arrested by Kerala police after he attended the commemoration of Maoist leader Sinoj in Thriprayar in Thrissur district.
In an attempt to overcome the situation, Baud on Friday filed a petition before Kerala High Court seeking to quash the FIR registered against him. Local police with an input from Intelligence Bureau had arrested Baud on July 28 on changes of violations under section 14(b) of the Foreigners' Act alleging Maoist connection after he attended the commemoration ceremony.
( Source : dc )
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