Kerala Court Convicts MLA Antony Raju In Decades-Old Evidence Tampering Case Linked To Drug Smuggling Trial

A Kerala court has convicted sitting MLA and former Transport Minister Antony Raju in a long-pending case relating to tampering with evidence in a drug smuggling prosecution.

The Nedumangadu Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-I found Raju guilty under Sections 120B, 201, 193, 409, and 34 of the IPC, holding that he conspired to cause the disappearance and fabrication of material evidence and committed criminal breach of trust. 

A former court clerk was also convicted in the case. The prosecution traced the offence to the manipulation of a crucial underwear exhibit during trial, which ultimately resulted in the acquittal of a foreign national accused in the drug smuggling case. 

The court held that the chain of evidence was deliberately interfered with, undermining the administration of justice.