Dileep in 14-day judicial custody

A day after Malayalam  actor Dileep was arrested in connection with conspiracy behind the abduction and molestation of a top actor in Kochi, a court in Angamaly remanded the actor in 14-day judicial custody. He was later shifted to the Aluva sub-jail.

Dileep also found support from the Malayalam film industry waning quickly, with three major associations terminating his membership. Dileep, 48, is booked under IPC sections including 120 B (criminal conspiracy). Senior lawyer K Ramkumar who appeared for the actor said the court would consider a bail application on Wednesday.

The actor was molested in a moving car on the night of February 17 in Kochi, by the key accused in the case, Sunilkumar aka ‘Pulsar’ Suni.

The sexual assault was also captured on video by Suni and his aides. Dileep was arrested on Monday after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) established links between him and Suni that validated reports that Suni was “hired” for the crime.

According to the remand report, the conspiracy was being hatched since 2013.  The SIT is yet to confirm the motive but the conspiracy is reported to have been triggered by the actress’ role in influencing the decision of Manju Warrier, Dileep’s first wife, to seek divorce from the actor. Following the divorce from Manju, herself a top actress, Dileep married Kavya Madhavan, another popular actress, in November 2016.

Dileep was welcomed at the magistrate’s residence and later, at the sub-jail, by jeering crowds. Police said there were no “special amenities” provided in the prison cell he shares with five others. Meanwhile, protests by various political groups continued against the actor. A boutique owned by Kavya Madhavan in Kochi, was also targeted by protesters.