Hashish Oil Found on Elanthoor Murder Case Accused During Court Appearance; Police Face Questions

Kochi: A serious security lapse by police came to light when six grams of hashish oil was found on the first accused in the Elanthoor human sacrifice case during his appearance before court for trial proceedings. The Ernakulam Rural and City Police have launched an internal inquiry into the incident.

Kalady police and Kadavanthra police had produced the first accused Mohammed Shafi (56) of Vengola Vezhappilly, Perumbavoor, along with second and third accused Bhagaval Singh and Laila, before the Idamalayar Special Court at Panampilly Nagar, Ernakulam, on Tuesday.

The six grams of hashish oil, packed in two small bottles, was discovered on Shafi while he was being taken back after the trial hearing in the evening. Police suspect the substance may have been handed over to him outside the court premises or during a toilet visit. Shafi was arrested under the NDPS Act by South Police and subsequently sent back to jail on station bail. All three accused are scheduled to be produced before the court again on Thursday.