PRESS RELEASE

Rights Groups Slam Nellai Collector for Delaying Bail for K-activists
8 June, 2012. CHENNAI — Four days after the Madras High Court granted bail to anti-nuke activists Sathish Kumar and Mughilan, release of the duo is being delayed by the Tirunelveli district administration. The Village Administrative Officer has refused to sign the property papers of eight Idinthakarai residents — four each for Mughilan and Sathish — who had come forward to produce surety valued at Rs. 10,000 each as per the Court’s orders. The papers were readied and handed over to the VAO as early as 30 April, 2012, when bail for the cases involving charges of sedition and waging war was granted.

Endorsing the surety papers is a matter of routine if the pledged property is valued at more than the surety amount. However, the VAO said he cannot do it as he has not received any instructions from the DIstrict Collector. Disturbed by the irregular delay in endorsing the papers, senior CPI leader Nallakannu met the Tirunelveli DIstrict Collector Mr. Selvaraj and DIG Varadarajulu yesterday. Both assured the delegation of immediate action. However, the VAO maintains that no instructions have been conveyed to him.

Meanwhile, the District Collector is not reachable for comments, and the two youngsters are likely to remain in jail over the weekend. The Chennai Solidarity Group for Koodankulam Struggle has condemned the vengeful and petty behaviour of the District Collector, and urged senior officials to intervene. The groups also said that civil rights activists will approach the Chief Secretary with a complaint about the District Collector.

Less than a week ago, a committee led by Justice AP Shah released a report condemning the violation of democratic rights by the State Government and the police machinery. Clearly, the State Government has chosen to ignore the recommendations and instead take revenge on two innocent youngsters, the Solidarity Group said.

For further details, contact:
Chennai Solidarity Group – 9444082401