Duo who tried to blackmail Aryadan denied bail

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed the bail pleas of two accused in a case registered in connection with blackmailing of Electricity Minister Aryadan Mohammed. Justice K T Shankaran dismissed the bail application of  first accused Sajeesh Krishnan of Palakkad and fourth accused Aby Paul of Ernakulam. The prosecution submitted that the two accused conspired at Trivandrum Club, Vazhuthacaud, on July 26 with an intention to extract money from the minister. The duo managed to arrange a meeting at his official residence on the next day.The second accused Satheesh impersonated himself as one Nandakumar. While talking with the Minister the image and voices were recorded with a camera hidden on the wrist watch. Later, the audio recording was manipulated, in such way to make it appear that the minister demanded a commission of 8 percent for the supply of goods for the KSEB. The prosecution further submitted that using forged audio, the accused  attempt to blackmail the minister and  demanded ` 25 lakh.“Investigation of the case is in progress. The allegations levelled against the accused are very grave in nature. If the accused are granted bail they may tamper the evidence,” the court said.