Bail to SIMI terrorists

The Kerala High Court on Friday granted bail to five activists of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), who were arrested from nearby Aluva on August 15.

Justice JM James granted bail to the accused on condition of their executing bail bonds of Rs 25,000 each and two sureties of the like amount.

The court directed the petitioners to report before the investigating officers on all Thursdays for the first three months and thereafter on the first working day of every month.

Opposing the bail pleas, Director General of Prosecution (DGP) said progress of investigation was slow since collecting and interpretation based on e-mail and mobile messages from various countries, including Palestine, was time-consuming.

The Court said the petitioners need not be kept in custody indefinitely, and granted bail.

Shaduli (24), Abdul Rafeeq (27), Shamas (20), Ansar (25), and Nizamuddin (24) were arrested from an auditorium at Binanipuram where they had gathered for a meeting.

Some booklets, articles, pamphlets and a book printed in Pakistan were seized from them.

They were arrested under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code and Section 10 and 13 (1) (B) (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act).