Antony Raju Challenges Conviction: A Legal Battle in Kerala's Political Landscape

Antony Raju, an LDF leader, has appealed his disqualification as MLA and three-year sentence for evidence tampering in a 1990 drug case. His appeal argues that a fair trial was denied. The case, involving tampering of evidence used against Australian Andre Salvatore Cervelli, will be reviewed in January.

Antony Raju, a prominent leader of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Janadhipathya Kerala Congress, has filed a petition appealing his recent conviction for evidence tampering. The legal battle has roots in a 1990 drug case, wherein Raju allegedly manipulated critical evidence while serving as a lawyer.

The Thiruvananthapuram District Sessions Court received the appeal after Raju was sentenced to three years imprisonment and subsequently disqualified as MLA. Raju contests the magistrate court's decision, asserting that his trial lacked fairness. The court has scheduled a further hearing for January 24.

Originally, Raju represented Australian citizen Andre Salvatore Cervelli, charged with drug possession at the Thiruvananthapuram airport. While initially convicted, Cervelli was acquitted in 1994 following defenses that challenged the evidence's integrity. A thorough investigation later implicated Raju in evidence tampering, leading to his current legal predicament.

(With inputs from agencies.)