Kerala High Court Grants Bail to Alleged LTTE-Linked Sri Lankan National in NIA Case
The Kerala High Court has granted bail to Satkunam, also known as Sabesan, a Sri Lankan national who is allegedly linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He was arrested in 2021 in a case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of conspiring to revive the banned terrorist outfit and further its activities in both India and Sri Lanka.
Court's Observations and Bail Conditions
A bench comprising Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and P V Balakrishnan observed that the trial is unlikely to be completed in the near future, leading to the approval of his bail plea. The court ordered his release upon executing a bond of Rs 1 lakh with two solvent sureties for an equal amount each, to the satisfaction of the special court for NIA cases in Ernakulam. It further clarified that the special court may impose additional conditions, including restricting his travel outside Kerala without prior permission.
Charges and Arrest Details
Sabesan faces serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal conspiracy and the sale of prohibited arms and ammunition. Additionally, he is charged under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for supporting a terrorist organisation and under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. His arrest followed the seizure of contraband, arms, and ammunition from a Sri Lankan boat off the Lakshadweep coast.
NIA's Allegations and Background
According to the NIA, Sabesan was an armed cadre of the LTTE and served in the outer security wing of its leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran. After the outfit's defeat in Sri Lanka, he allegedly arrived in Chennai as a refugee and later participated in conspiracy meetings in Tamil Nadu aimed at reviving the LTTE and waging war against Sri Lanka. The agency further alleged that he was involved in trafficking contraband and arms to raise funds for the organisation and to carry out terrorist acts.
Trial Delays and Judicial Reasoning
The court noted that Sabesan has been in custody for four years and that the trial is likely to commence only in January 2027. It recorded that 209 witnesses have been cited and 446 documents are to be marked in the case. A report from the trial court indicated that the proceedings are unlikely to begin and conclude in the near future, which significantly influenced the decision to grant bail.
