Thiruvananthapuram: Former chief minister Oommen Chandy has alleged serious lapses by the state government in the conduct of Soumya murder case in the Supreme Court. Mr Chandy told reporters here on Friday that it should be ensured that the culprit got maximum punishment as prescribed by the law. The case was on trial in the trial court for seven months and the High Court for three months.
“When the case came up for trial at the High Court, Soumya’s mother Sumathi had urged me to appoint Suresan who conducted the case in the trial court as the prosecutor. I had accepted the demand. Three police officials were also appointed to help him. The result was that the High Court also upheld the trial court verdict on the death sentence to the accused Govindachamy,” he said. Mr Chandy said that it was not possible to appoint him in the case in the Supreme Court.
Hence, the government should be prepared to present more evidence in the case by consulting him. In the Supreme Court also, these officials and prosecutor were appointed to help the standing counsel during the time of the UDF government. The present LDF government appointed the standing counsel to argue the case. However, no support mechanism was given to him. Though the date of the case was informed one month in advance, the government did not take steps to inform it to the prosecutor or the police officials. Those who lost their income after the closure of the bars was behind the present Vigilance case against former minister K. Babu, he said.
