A magistrate court here on Wednesday granted bail to BJP councillor R. Sugathan in two criminal cases registered at the Vattiyurkavu Police Station.

Nedumangad Judicial Second Class Magistrate Court-II granted the bail. The councillor will, however, remain in custody as he is presently detained under the provisions of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). He is lodged at the Viyyur Central Prison.

The two cases in which bail was granted include one alleging that the accused assaulted police officers, who had arrived to arrest him while he was allegedly absconding in connection with the KAAPA proceedings. The second case relates to a clash during a temple festival, in which he is accused of attacking a person.

Mr. Sugathan, who represents the Vazhottukonam ward of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, has been under preventive detention under the KAAPA since June 9.

A week ago, he retook the oath of office as a councillor from within the jail following a Kerala High Court order.

Published - July 22, 2026 08:50 pm IST