Alappuzha, Monday, December 21, 2009: Adding a fresh twist to Paul Muthoot murder case, the Alappuzha Sessions Court granted bail to the 24th and 25th accused Om Prakash and Puthanpalam Rajesh bail in the sensational murder case.

Ignoring the prosecution claim that, the trial Court has issued a re-investigation into the case Judge Moideen Kunj accepted the defence lawyer’s claim that both Om Prakash and Puthanpalam Rajesh didn’t have any direct links to the murder, and thus should not be denied bail.

The duo’s lawyer pointing out the charge sheet argued that, the gangsters have been charged for destruction of evidence and has been placed last in the accused list and bail should not be denied to them on these grounds.

Om Prakash and Rajesh, both proclaimed offenders wanted in several cases, had traveled with George the day he was fatally stabbed by members of a gang, who were on their way to carry out a criminal operation. George was killed near here on August 22.

During interrogation Prakash and Rajesh had told police that they did not commit the crime but had fled fearing arrest after the gangsters stabbed George following a scuffle.

The duo surrendered in Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu on September 8. A total of 24 persons have been arrested in connection with the case.

Both Omprakash and Rajesh, who were once said to be arch rivals, are involved in several criminal cases, including murder, extortion and attacks. Detention orders under the Goonda Act are pending against the two gangsters, who are in their thirties.