Accused get bail in Abhaya murder case

Imposing strict conditions, the Kerala High Court on Thursday granted bail to three accused--two Christian priests and a nun--in the Sister Abhaya murder case.
       
Father Thomas Kottur, Father Jose Puthrikayil and Sister Sephi were directed by Justice K Hema to furnish a bail
bond of one lakh rupees each and two solvent sureties for the same amount.
       
The accused have been asked not to make or receive any telephone calls. If calls are made or received, their bail would be cancelled, the court held.
 
The three will not leave the residence without permission from the Magistrate, who should also be informed about the details of their residence, the court said.
      
Justice Hema also directed the accused to cooperate in the investigation and to appear before the investigating
officers as and when required.
      
"The petitioners also should not influence or intimidate any witness or tamper with evidence," the court held.
     
The court said the current Central Bureau of Investigation team can continue to pursue the case. However, there should be supervision and guidance of more "competent officer".
     
The three accused were arrested on Nov 19 in connection with the murder of Abhaya, an inmate of the St Pius convent, Kottayam, whose body was found in the well of the convent, in March 1992.