The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the solar panel scandal arrested actor Shalu Menon in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday evening. The arrest was recorded at the office of SIT head and Additional Director General of Police A Hemachandran.
The police action is based on a complaint filed by Rasikh Ali, a Thiruvananthapuram-based businessman, that Shalu, along with Biju Radhakrishnan, the first accused in the scandal, had defrauded him of `76 lakh promising to set up a windmill project in Tamil Nadu.
Ali said Rs 25 lakh was handed over to Biju and Shalu in person. Ali, who was summoned to the ADGP office, identified the accused. In proof of his claim, Ali had with him his SMSes with Biju Radhakrishnan and Shalu Menon. Earlier, a police team led by Changanassery Circle Inspector Nishadmon V A had taken Shalu into custody from her residence at Puzhavath near Changanassery around 3 pm. Shalu came to Thiruvananthapuram in her car in the escort of women police officials.
The SIT was widely criticised for not arresting the actor though she was alleged to have helped Biju to escape from the police net. Biju had reached Thrissur in Shalu’s car and used her cell phone while absconding. Shalu’s mother had later filed a complaint alleging that Biju had defrauded her of Rs 20 lakh. However, a large number of evidence came into light proving the actor’s close links with Biju.