Thu Jan 23 19:35:23 UTC 2025: ## Kerala CPI(M) Leaders Seek Anticipatory Bail in Abduction Case

**KOCHI, Kerala –** Five Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leaders in Koothattukulam, Kerala, have sought anticipatory bail after being accused of abducting fellow party councillor Kala Raju. The accused, including area secretary P.B. Ratheesh and municipal chairperson K.P. Vijayakumari, deny the charges, claiming Raju’s allegations are politically motivated and influenced by the United Democratic Front (UDF). They assert Raju visited the party office for a discussion before returning home.

Meanwhile, four other CPI(M) members arrested in connection with the case were granted bail on January 23rd. The UDF, however, accuses the police of deliberately delaying arrests to allow key figures to secure bail, alleging a police ploy. Ernakulam district Congress committee president Mohammed Shiyas stated the Congress will hold protests on January 29th against the CPI(M)’s alleged actions and will provide political and legal support to Ms. Raju. They plan to assist her in filing a criminal complaint against CPI(M) area committee member Sunny Kuriakose, who she has previously accused in a letter to party committees.

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