Thiruvannathapuram, Feb 1 (BPNS)
A case has been registered against advocate Saiby Jose Kidangoor, who is facing the allegation of fleecing money from his clients under the pretext of bribing judges of the Kerala High Court. A seven-member special investigation will probe the allegation against him.
According to State Police Chief Anil Kant, Crime Branch ADGP Shaik Darvesh Sahib will directly monitor the investigation and the investigation officer will be KS Sudarshan, SP, Crime Branch, Alappuzha Unit.
The case registered at Ernakulam Central Police Station is for cheating (section 420 of the Indian Penal Code that deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, which deals with offenses and penalties for public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an official act.
“A letter was received by the State Police Chief from the High Court Registrar. Based on that Kochi City Police Commissioner was asked to conduct a preliminary inquiry. As it was found merit in the complaint, an FIR has been registered,” read an excerpt of a release from the police headquarters.
It was after another lawyer put up a Facebook post that Saiby’s alleged ill-doings came to light. It was accused that Saiby used to collect large sums of money from some clients that include some celebrity clients, under the pretext that he would use it to bribe several judges, including high court Justices A Muhammad Mustaque, PV Kunhikrishnan, Ziyad Rahman AA, and others.
Upon coming to know about the post, it is learned that it was Justice Kunhikrishnan who directed the Registrar to conduct an inquiry.
The other day, a suo motu proceeding was initiated by the Bar Council of Kerala against Saiby who is president of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association. The council had convened an emergency meeting and had also issued a show cause notice to him.
The allegations against Saiby are also being investigated by the vigilance wing of the Kerala High Court. It was after the report of the Registrar General of the High Court to the Chief Justice that an inquiry was ordered against him.
It is also learned that a group of advocates has approached the Ministry of Law and Justice demanding appropriate action against Saiby. The ministry, in turn, is said to have forwarded the demand to the council for its perusal.
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