HC asks police not to arrest lawyer C P Udayabhanu in realtor murder case

Kochi: The High Court Monday directed police not to arrest a lawyer till October 23 connection with the recent killing of a real estate dealer after prosecution informed he has been arraigned as an accused in the case.

Justice P Ubaid passed the interim order when the anticipatory bail petition filed by leading criminal lawyer C P Udayabhanu came up for hearing.

The prosecution informed the judge that the lawyer has been named as the seventh accused in the case and handed over evidence against him in a sealed cover.

It further claimed the petitioner had links with 46-year- old real estate dealer Rajeev, who was found dead in a deserted building at Chalakudy in Thrissur district last month.

The judge posted the matter to October 23 for further consideration and directed the police not to arrest the lawyer till then.

The judge also directed police to issue notice to Udayabhanu if needed for interrogation.