Tanur Boat Tragedy: Kerala HC Grants Bail to Chief Surveyor and Senior Port Conservator

The Kerala High Court recently granted bail to two senior port officials who were arrested in connection with the Tanur boat accident that resulted in the loss of 22 lives earlier this year.

The tragic incident occurred on May 7 when a recreational boat carrying over 30 people capsized in Malappuram district’s Tanur, leading to the demise of 22 individuals, including several children.

The two individuals granted bail are Sebastian Joseph, Chief Surveyor of Kerala Maritime Board, and Prasad VV, Senior Port Conservator at Beypore Port.

A single bench of Justice Ziyad Rahman AA, considered that these port officials had been in custody for more than 40 days.

Additionally, since they were already suspended from service, the judge opined that the possibility of them tampering with evidence was low, thus allowing their release on bail.

Both officials faced charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. The prosecution (State Govt) alleged that they had permitted and facilitated the operation of the boat without complying with statutory requirements. It was claimed that the officials allowed the boat’s owner to operate it even before its registration was complete.

Opposing bail, the State contended that the port officials issued a survey certificate without addressing serious design lapses in the boat. Moreover, they were accused of concealing the fact that the boat was originally a fishing boat converted into a passenger boat, which was not permissible under the law. The government’s counsel expressed concerns that the officials might tamper with evidence if released on bail.

In response, the port officials maintained their innocence, asserting that they had been implicated in the case without any substantial evidence to establish their culpability.

Ultimately, the bench granted bail to the two port officials on the condition that they cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and trial.