KOCHI: The controversy over the verbal abuse reportedly unleashed by young Malayalam filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph against Mayor Soumini Jain took a new turn on Wednesday with the the Central Police registering the arrest of the director based on the complaint made by Mayor.
According to a police officer, the director of movies such as ‘Om Santhi Osana’ and ‘Oru Muthassi Gadha’ was arrested by evening and later released on bail.
“We will take the Mayor’s statement if she wants to give additional information regarding the incident,” said Sajan Joseph, sub-inspector of police, Central Station. Sections under criminal intimidation and insulting the modesty of a woman were charged against the director, he said.
At present, the police have only registered a complaint for using abusive words against the Mayor but things may turn difficult for the director, who is famous for his short temper, if the Mayor makes further allegations.
The alleged incident took place last Saturday afternoon when the director approached the Mayor for getting permission to hold shooting inside the recently-renovated Subhash Park. However, the latter denied permission citing the bylaw passed by the corporation council restricting any type of shooting inside the park.
“As per the bylaw Subhash Park can’t be given for shooting purpose. When the director came to me seeking permission for shooting I just informed him the council decision, but he started abusing me. He even shouted in front of the verandah and verbally abused me. This forced me to file a complaint with the police,” said the Mayor.
“Shooting can’t be permitted in areas which are densely populated or near busy roads or hospitals which cause difficulties to people. It has been formally decided not to provide the recently renovated Subhash Bose Park for film shooting,” said the Mayor.
The repeated attempts to contact the director ended in vain. The young director was earlier also dragged into controversy several times for his controversial statements through Facebook.
His comments against Lalisom, the controversial show, movie ‘Rani Padmini’ directed by Ashiq Abu and comments against Kollywood actor Dhanush had attracted much flak.