Kerala High Court asks Crime Branch to book Bijimol for assault on ADM Moncy P Alexander

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday asked the Crime Branch to book Communist Party of India (CPI) MLA E S Bijimol who allegedly assaulted the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) at Thekkemoola, near Peruvanthanam, while he was on official duty.

Justice B. Kemal Pasha was considering a petition filed by Idukki ADM Moncy P Alexander seeking to entrust the case registered at Peruvanthanam police station to a Special Investigation Team /Crime Branch led by a senior officer not below the rank of Superintendent of police (SP). The incident occurred on July 3, 2015.

“Additional Director General of Police, Crimes, shall look into the matter, take up the investigation and engage a person not below the rank of a DySP of the Crime Branch to conduct the investigation,” the court held.

The court heavily criticised the police saying “The attitude of the police cannot be swallowed as such. Fruitful investigation shall be conducted and the accused should be nabbed by the investigating officer,” the court held.

The petitioner argued that he sustained severe injuries at the hands of Bijimol. The ADM was deputed by the District Collector to implement a High Court order to reinstate a gate to the Velliamkavu temple. Police escorted him but Bijimol shouted at him and pushed him down., the petitioner said.

The MLA also obstructed the petitioner from his official duty, he submitted. Police registered a case against the MLA and several others for the offence under section 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty)