OOTY : An accused in the Kodanad murder and heist case Friday sought protection for him and other accused lodged in various jails in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Talking to reporters after coming out of a court in Kothagiri, Manoj claimed that they feared death in the jail and also outside, if they came out on bail.

Manoj was one of the two accused, who had linked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palanisamy in the case during an interview with former Tehalka editor Mathew Samuels.However, the chief minister had denied this, describing it as a ploy by the opposition to tarnish his image.

Later talking to reporters,the counsel of accused, Anand said that a petition will be moved in Madras High court, seeking protection for all the accused, following the claim of death threats by Manoj.

If necessary, a petition will be filed seeking to transfer the case to some other State, Anand said,

Manoj along with other accused were produced before the Court, where the Magistrate P Vadamalai posted the case for June 3.