Retired Inspector General Granted Anticipatory Bail in Idol Theft Case

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail to retired IG Pon Manickavel, accused of falsely implicating officials in an idol theft case. The court ordered an inquiry and mandated Manickavel to report to the CBI's Chennai branch daily for four weeks.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Pon Manickavel, a retired Inspector General of the Idol Wing CID, who is entangled in a case of falsification and misrepresentation. The allegations against Manickavel incorporate claims of falsely implicating former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kader Batcha in an idol theft case, subsequently leading to Batcha's arrest. The prosecution asserts that Manickavel's actions were intentional and targeted.

In his defense, Manickavel submits that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials raided his residence on August 10, seizing various properties. He contends these actions are illegal and aimed at tarnishing his reputation. Moreover, he alleges harassment designed to benefit international idol traffickers and approached the High Court for anticipatory bail.

Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy, after a comprehensive hearing involving arguments from the petitioner's counsel and the CBI, issued the bail order. Manickavel is required to report to the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch in Chennai each day at 10:30 am for a duration of four weeks and subsequently appear as needed for further investigation. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)