Shobha John, the lone woman ‘goonda’ in the state, had designed and executed the plan to blackmail the thantri, the Sessions Court held while pronouncing the verdict in the case. When the incident happened, Shobha was residing at Link Laxman’s flat in Kochi and doing business.
“Shobha is the mastermind in the case. With the help of her accomplice Bechu Rehman, a criminal, she arranged ‘goondas’ to threaten the thantri and committ a robbery,” the court observed.
The police said that five rings, including the Navaratna mothiram, Pavitra mothiram, Indraneelam and two gold chains were stolen from the thantri. The accused allegedly took photographs of the thantri and a woman in compromising positions and demanded `30 lakh.
Kandararu Mohanaru first lodged a complaint with the Chengannur police alleging that he was kidnapped by a ‘goonda’ gang. The revised complaint narrated the detailed kidnapping episode.
According to the revised complaint, Mohanaru went to Shobha John’s flat to talk about appointing a caretaker. Then five youngsters forced open the door, threatened him with weapons and demanded `30 lakh.
The incident happened on July 23, 2006. According to the prosecution, the thantri was in search of a caretaker for his newly constructed house at Vennala. The second witness Shantha arranged Jayaprakash for the job. Later Jayaprakash arrived at the flat, and Shantha informed the thantri about his arrival.
On the day of the incident, the thantri went to the flat to pick Jayaprakash up and not for any immoral activity, the prosecution said.
The thantri had visited the flat thrice, and it was confirmed by the security and other witnesses. The court said that Shobha John was waiting for an opportunity to trap the thantri, who has been seen wearing valuable ornaments. The three accused Shobha, Anil and Bechu hatched a conspiracy and committed the crime. Shobha John was absconding during the investigation of the case.
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