Bail plea of Kerala Bishop and 5 other pastors dismissed in sand smuggling case

A Catholic Bishop from Kerala and five other Christian pastors were recently arrested by the CB-CID, for illegal sand smuggling. The CBCID have registered a case and are conducting an investigation after it was found that they were smuggling m-sand in the area.

Diocesan Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios (69) of Pathanamthitta, Kerala, was arrested and jailed in this case along with 6 others, including priests George Samuel, Shaji Thomas, Geo James, Jose Samagala and Jose Kalaviyal. In this situation, Bishop Samuel Mark Ernial and Pastor Jose Samagala, are said to be in poor health. While they have been admitted to a government hospital and are receiving treatment, it is being reported that many political personalities are secretly meeting them. 

All six of the accused, including Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios, petitioned for bail in the First Additional Sessions Court. The court dismissed the bail pleas of all 6 and issued an injunction. In light of this, it is being said that there is possibility of political interference to rescue the accused.

(With inputs from Kathir News)

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