National Democratic Alliance leader Thushar Vellappally got a huge legal reprieve on Sunday when a court in Ajaman in the United Arab Emirates quashed a criminal case against him.
In another case, a court in Al-Ain, also in the United Arab Emirates, convicted prominent businessman Gokulam Gopalan's son Baiju Gopalan to one month in jail for forging documents.
The case against Thushar Vellappally was filed by his former business associate Nasil Abdulla, who alleged that Thushar's cheque for Rs 19 crore (10 million UAE Dirham) was dishonoured.
The court in Ajman – an emirate in the UAE – found that the documents submitted by the complainant were unsatisfactory. The court also ordered to release Thushar's passport, which he had surrendered to secure bail.
Thushar, son of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam leader, Vellappally Natesan, was arrested on his arrival in Ajman on August 20. He secured bail a day later, reportedly after the intervention of non-resident Indian businessman M A Yousuf Ali. He paid a security of one million UAE Dirham apart from surrendering his passport to secure the bail.
Last Monday, a Dubai court had quashed a civil case against Thushar, also filed by Nasil.
The two favourable verdicts may help Thushar return to Kerala soon.
"This is a victory of justice," Thushar responded to the Ajman court's verdict. "It proves my innocence," he said.
He thanked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and businessman MA Yousuf Ali for their support during the crisis period.
Immediately after securing the bail, Thushar had tried to settle the case, offering Nasil a compensation of Rs 3 crore. But Nasil declined the offer and said he was ready for a compromise only if he got Rs 6 crore.
Jail for Baiju Gopalan
Another United Arab Emirates court convicted prominent businessman Gokulam Gopalan's son Baiju Gopalan to one month in jail for forging documents. He will be deported to India after completing the jail term.
In August, UAE had enforced a travel ban on Baiju in a cheque dishonour case. But he tried to flee the country using forged documents in the second week of August, and was taken to a jail in Al-Ain, an emirate of the UAE.
Sunday's court order pertains to the documents forgery. it is not clear whether he will be deported as the cheque dishonour case is still pending against him.
