Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) state president Thushar Vellappally who was arrested in a cheque bouncing case in Ajman, UAE has been granted bail. Thushar is the son of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam General Secretary Vellapally Natesan.
Thushar was lodged in Ajman Central Jail. He was arrested as a 10-million-dirham cheque (Rs 19 crore) issued to a partner was dishonoured. The timely intervention of NRI businessman M.A. Yusuff Ali and the deposit of the bail amount enabled his quick release.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday had written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking his intervention in the matter.
In the letter, a copy of which was released to the media here, Vijayan expressed concern about the well being and health of Thushar Vellapally.
"News channels have reported the arrest of Shri Thushar Vellapally, Vice President of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) yogam at Ajman in United Arab Emirates. I express concern about his well-being and health while in custody. All possible help within the limits of law needs to be made available to him. I request your kind personal attention and intervention in this regard", Vijayan said in the letter.
Media reports suggest that the cheque bouncing case involving a Malayali petitioner Nazil Abdullah is around 10 years old. The dishonoured cheque was handed over to the partner when Thushar's debt-ridden-business Boeing Constructions in Ajman was dissolved. Nazil filed a case against Thushar four days ago. Meanwhile, Kerala police visited Nazil Abdullah's home in Kodungalloor of Thrissur district in Kerala.
The police arrested him during a negotiation meeting at a hotel. The petitioner had invited Thushar in the pretext of settling the case out of court. The Ajman Police however, has not released any information on the arrest. Ajman is an emirate in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Thushar had contested against former Congress President Rahul Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad constituency as the candidate of BDJS, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Kerala.
SNDP General Secretary Vellappally Natesan said that his son was trapped under the pretext of negotiation. 'We'll face this issue legally,' the leader added.
Since, its an economic offence case Thushar can be released only if the case is settled or the petitioner withdraws the case. Efforts to release him are on.
